Kilowatts to Horsepower Calculator
Enter kilowatts to convert to horsepower instantly. Uses the mechanical (imperial) HP standard: 1 kW = 1.341 HP.
How do you convert kilowatts to horsepower?
Divide kW by 0.7457 to get mechanical HP: HP = kW ÷ 0.7457. A 7.5 kW motor equals 7.5 ÷ 0.7457 = 10.06 HP. This is the reverse of the HP to kW conversion and is commonly used when comparing IEC-rated motors (kW) to NEMA-rated motors (HP).
kW to HP Conversion Table
| Kilowatts (kW) | Mechanical HP | Closest NEMA Standard |
|---|---|---|
| 0.37 kW | 0.50 HP | 0.5 HP |
| 0.75 kW | 1.01 HP | 1 HP |
| 1.5 kW | 2.01 HP | 2 HP |
| 2.2 kW | 2.95 HP | 3 HP |
| 3.7 kW | 4.96 HP | 5 HP |
| 5.5 kW | 7.38 HP | 7.5 HP |
| 7.5 kW | 10.06 HP | 10 HP |
| 11 kW | 14.75 HP | 15 HP |
| 15 kW | 20.12 HP | 20 HP |
| 22 kW | 29.51 HP | 30 HP |
| 37 kW | 49.64 HP | 50 HP |
Formula
Where: HP = mechanical (imperial) horsepower, kW = kilowatts, 0.7457 = conversion factor (1 HP = 745.7 W = 0.7457 kW).
Horsepower types compared: Mechanical HP = 745.7 W (motors, most uses). Electrical HP = 746.0 W (US NEC nameplate). Metric HP (PS/CV) = 735.5 W (European vehicle engines). Boiler HP = 9,810.6 W (steam systems — unrelated to motor sizing).
Translating European Machinery to US Standards
If you import woodworking machinery from Europe, or industrial pumps from Asia, the nameplates will specify motor power in kilowatts. To figure out what size VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) or starter you need in the US, you must convert to HP:
| Imported Equipment Rating | Exact HP Conversion | Standard US Equivalent (NEMA) |
|---|---|---|
| Small Italian table saw (2.2 kW) | 2.95 HP | 3 HP |
| German CNC spindle (4.0 kW) | 5.36 HP | 5 HP (Slightly overloaded) or 7.5 HP |
| Industrial water pump (15.0 kW) | 20.1 HP | 20 HP |
Because 1 kW equals 1.34 HP, the conversions rarely land on exact standard NEMA sizes. When sizing motor controllers or VFDs for imported equipment, size the drive based on the motor's full-load amps rather than the rough HP equivalent.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 kW equals approximately 1.341 mechanical horsepower (1 ÷ 0.7457 = 1.3410). This is the standard conversion for electric motors.
11 kW ÷ 0.7457 ≈ 14.75 HP. The nearest standard NEMA frame is 15 HP. IEC motors are typically specified in kW while NEMA motors use HP, making this conversion essential when sourcing replacements across standards.
Mechanical HP = 745.7 W; electrical HP = 746 W exactly. The difference is 0.04 % — negligible for practical use. For motor sizing, both are equivalent; use whichever your reference table specifies.
Multiply HP by 0.7457: kW = HP × 0.7457. Use the HP to kW calculator for the forward conversion.
Can I run a 2.2 kW European motor on a 3 HP American VFD?
Yes, 2.2 kW is exactly 2.95 HP, which fits perfectly within the capabilities of a 3 HP Variable Frequency Drive. Just ensure you program the VFD with the exact Full Load Amps (FLA) printed on the European motor's nameplate to ensure proper overload protection.