Convert BTU per Hour to Mechanical Horsepower
Convert BTU per Hour (BTU/h) to Mechanical Horsepower (hp) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
hp = BTU/h × 0.0003930147789
About BTU per Hour
One BTU per hour (BTU/h) ≈ 0.2931 W - the dominant HVAC capacity unit in the US and Canada. Room air conditioners are universally rated in BTU/h: 12,000 BTU/h = 1 ton of refrigeration = 3,517 W. Home furnaces range from 40,000-150,000 BTU/h. Office building cooling demand is calculated in BTU/h per ft². Engineers convert: BTU/h × 0.2931 = W; or W × 3.412 = BTU/h. 1 BTU/h = 0.29307 W.
About Mechanical Horsepower
The mechanical horsepower (hp) is exactly 550 ft·lbf/s ≈ 745.7 W - defined by James Watt by timing mine horses to set a comparable steam engine rating. A typical compact car produces 100-150 hp (75-112 kW); a sports car 300-600 hp; an F1 car ~1,000 hp (745 kW). SAE net horsepower is measured at the flywheel with all accessories fitted. Marine diesel engines, aircraft piston engines, and lawn equipment are still rated in hp. 1 hp = 550 ft·lbf/s = 745.6998715822704 W.
Quick Reference Table
| BTU per Hour (BTU/h) | Mechanical Horsepower (hp) |
|---|---|
| 1 BTU/h | 0.000393015 hp |
| 2 BTU/h | 0.00078603 hp |
| 5 BTU/h | 0.00196507 hp |
| 10 BTU/h | 0.00393015 hp |
| 25 BTU/h | 0.00982537 hp |
| 50 BTU/h | 0.0196507 hp |
| 100 BTU/h | 0.0393015 hp |