Power Converter
Convert between watts, kilowatts, horsepower, BTU/h, and other power units instantly
Quick Reference
| Unit | Equivalent in Watts |
|---|---|
| 1 Kilowatt (kW) | 1,000 W |
| 1 Megawatt (MW) | 1,000,000 W |
| 1 Horsepower (hp) | 745.7 W |
| 1 BTU/hour | 0.293 W |
| 1 Calorie/second | 4.184 W |
Quick Examples
What is Power?
Power is the rate at which energy is transferred or converted per unit time. In physics, power is measured in watts (W), where one watt equals one joule per second. Power measurements are essential in various fields including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and everyday applications.
Understanding power conversions is crucial for comparing different systems, calculating energy consumption, and ensuring equipment compatibility. Whether you're working with electrical appliances, engines, or heating systems, accurate power conversion helps make informed decisions.
Common Power Unit Applications
Watts (W)
The SI unit of power, commonly used for electrical appliances, light bulbs, and electronics
Horsepower (hp)
Traditionally used for engines and motors, especially in automotive and industrial applications
BTU/hour
British Thermal Units per hour, commonly used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
Kilowatts (kW)
Used for larger electrical systems, power generation, and industrial equipment ratings
Understanding Power Conversions
Metric Units (Watts)
The watt is the SI unit of power, named after James Watt. The metric system uses decimal-based conversions: 1 kilowatt = 1,000 watts, and 1 megawatt = 1,000,000 watts. These units are universally used in scientific and most engineering contexts.
Horsepower
Horsepower is a unit originally developed to compare steam engine output to horse power. One mechanical horsepower equals approximately 745.7 watts. It's still widely used in automotive and mechanical engineering, particularly in the United States.
BTU per Hour
British Thermal Units per hour measure the rate of heat energy transfer. This unit is commonly used in HVAC systems and thermal engineering. One BTU/h equals approximately 0.293 watts, making it useful for comparing heating and cooling capacities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between power and energy?
Power is the rate at which energy is used or transferred, measured in watts. Energy is the total amount of power used over time, measured in watt-hours or joules. For example, a 100W light bulb uses 100 watts of power, and if left on for 10 hours, it consumes 1,000 watt-hours (1 kWh) of energy.
Why are there different types of horsepower?
There are several types of horsepower including mechanical (745.7W), metric (735.5W), and electrical (746W). This tool uses mechanical horsepower, which is the most common standard in the United States. The differences arose from various historical measurement standards.
How accurate is this converter?
This converter uses standardized conversion factors and provides results with high precision (6 decimal places). The conversions are based on internationally recognized standards and are suitable for most practical and engineering applications.
Can I convert power to energy?
Power and energy are related but different quantities. To convert power to energy, you need to multiply power by time (Energy = Power × Time). For example, 1000 watts used for 1 hour equals 1000 watt-hours or 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy.