Convert Mechanical Horsepower to Megawatts
Convert Mechanical Horsepower (hp) to Megawatts (MW) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
MW = hp × 0.0007456998716
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.
About Megawatts
A megawatt (MW) is 10⁶ W - the standard unit for utility power plant output. A coal unit produces 300-900 MW; a large nuclear reactor 1,000-1,600 MW. Offshore wind turbines reach 15 MW each (Vestas V236-15.0). The Three Gorges Dam totals 22,500 MW. Aluminium smelters consume 500-600 MW; electric arc furnaces 100-300 MW. Solar farms are rated in MWp; pharmaceutical clean-room HVAC systems in MW. 1 MW = 10⁶ W = 1,341 mechanical hp.
Quick Reference Table
| Mechanical Horsepower (hp) | Megawatts (MW) |
|---|---|
| 1 hp | 0.0007457 MW |
| 2 hp | 0.0014914 MW |
| 5 hp | 0.0037285 MW |
| 10 hp | 0.007457 MW |
| 25 hp | 0.0186425 MW |
| 50 hp | 0.037285 MW |
| 100 hp | 0.07457 MW |