Convert Watts to Metric Horsepower
Convert Watts (W) to Metric Horsepower (PS) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
PS = W × 0.001359621617
About Watts
The watt (W) is the SI unit of power - 1 J/s - named after James Watt (1736-1819). Familiar power levels: smartphone charging 5-65 W; laptop 15-100 W; microwave 700-1,200 W; electric kettle 2,000-3,000 W; human resting metabolism ~80 W; peak sprint ~2,000 W. The now-obsolete 100 W incandescent bulb is replaced by a 10-15 W LED producing the same light. In AC circuits, reactive power uses the var and apparent power the VA, both derived from watts. 1 W = 1 J/s = 1 kg·m²/s³.
About Metric Horsepower
The metric horsepower (PS/CV/pk) equals exactly 75 kgf·m/s = 735.49875 W - the European equivalent of mechanical horsepower, defined as lifting 75 kg by 1 m/s. It was the DIN 66036 standard for European automotive ratings until the EU mandated kW. A 100 PS car produces 73.55 kW; 200 PS = 147.1 kW. The ~1.4% difference from mechanical hp (745.7 W) means a 100 PS car rates as 98.6 mechanical hp. German car advertising still shows PS parenthetically alongside kW. 1 PS = 735.49875 W.
Quick Reference Table
| Watts (W) | Metric Horsepower (PS) |
|---|---|
| 1 W | 0.00135962 PS |
| 2 W | 0.00271924 PS |
| 5 W | 0.00679811 PS |
| 10 W | 0.0135962 PS |
| 25 W | 0.0339905 PS |
| 50 W | 0.0679811 PS |
| 100 W | 0.135962 PS |