Kilowatts to metric horsepower (PS)

How to convert kilowatts to metric horsepower

1. Take the value in kilowatts.
2. Use the formula metric horsepower = kilowatts × 1.359621617.
3. For example, 11 kW is 14.96 PS.

About kilowatts and metric horsepower

One metric horsepower (PS) is 735.49875 W, so 1 kW is 1.35962 PS. Multiply kilowatts by 1.36 to get PS. 100 kW is 135.96 PS and 74 kW, a common small-engine rating, is 100.61 PS.

In the EU, registration documents and type approval list engine power in kW, while car ads and brochures usually lead with PS. Motorbike license rules are also set in kW, so riders convert the other way to see what a bike makes in the units they know.

Examples

• 11 kW (the EU A1 license limit for light motorcycles) is 14.96 PS
• 35 kW (the EU A2 motorcycle license limit) is 47.59 PS
• 74 kW (a 100 PS engine on a registration document) is 100.61 PS
• 110 kW (a 150 PS engine on a registration document) is 149.56 PS

Kilowatts to metric horsepower chart