Power Unit Conversion Calculator
Convert Power Units Instantly (Watts, HP, kW, BTU/hr Made Easy)
Enter any value from 0.1 to 1,000,000.
Common power ratings:
Conversion Result
• Half a small window AC unit
• 1/7th of a Tesla motor
How Power Unit Conversion Works
Power unit conversion is essential for understanding energy consumption, comparing appliances, and working with international specifications. Whether you’re sizing a generator, comparing vehicle performance, or calculating HVAC requirements, converting between watts, horsepower, kilowatts, and BTU/hr helps you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Core Conversion Relationships
1 kW = 1000 W
Kilowatts to watts
1 hp = 745.7 W
Horsepower to watts
1 BTU/hr = 0.293 W
BTU/hr to watts
1 W = 3.412 BTU/hr
Watts to BTU/hr
Our calculator converts between these units using precise, internationally recognized conversion factors. What makes it particularly useful is the practical context it provides. Beyond just showing the numerical conversion, it explains what that power level means in everyday terms: how many light bulbs it could power, what size engine it represents, or how it compares to common appliances.
🔌 Real-World Example:
You’re buying a window air conditioner rated at 8000 BTU/hr.
Step 1: Convert to watts: 8000 × 0.293 = 2344 W.
Step 2: Convert to kW: 2344 ÷ 1000 = 2.344 kW.
Step 3: Check your circuit: Standard outlet handles 1500 W (1.5 kW).
Result: This AC needs 2344 W (2.344 kW), exceeding a standard outlet. You’ll need a dedicated 20-amp circuit.
Where Power Conversion Matters Most
In the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, different industries use different power units, creating daily conversion needs. Meanwhile, in Germany, Australia, and other metric countries, kilowatts dominate but American products still use horsepower and BTU/hr. Specific applications include:
- Home Appliances: US appliances list watts, while efficiency ratings use BTU/hr for air conditioners. Converting helps compare energy costs accurately.
- Automotive Industry: American cars use horsepower, European specs use kilowatts. Converting helps compare vehicle performance internationally.
- HVAC Systems: Air conditioners use BTU/hr, but electrical requirements use watts/kilowatts. Converting ensures proper circuit sizing.
- Generators and Solar: Generator capacity in watts/kW, appliance needs in various units. Converting prevents overload situations.
- Industrial Equipment: Motors rated in horsepower internationally, but electrical systems designed in kilowatts.
- Energy Billing: Electricity bills in kilowatt-hours, but appliances rated in watts or BTU/hr. Converting helps calculate running costs.
Common Power Conversion Questions
How many watts are in 1 horsepower?
1 horsepower equals approximately 745.7 watts. There are actually two standards: mechanical horsepower (745.7 W) and metric horsepower (735.5 W). Our calculator uses mechanical horsepower, which is standard in the US and UK for automotive and mechanical applications.
What’s the difference between BTU and BTU/hr?
BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures energy. BTU/hr measures power (energy per hour). When comparing to watts (also power), use BTU/hr. Example: A 10,000 BTU/hr air conditioner consumes about 2930 watts continuously when running.
Why do electric cars use kW instead of horsepower?
Electric motors are inherently metric/electric in measurement. 1 kW equals about 1.34 hp. Tesla lists both: Model 3 has 283 kW (380 hp). Converting helps comparison shopping between electric and traditional vehicles.
How do I convert power to energy consumption?
Power (watts, kW) × time (hours) = energy (watt-hours, kWh). Example: 1000 W (1 kW) running for 10 hours = 10 kWh. Our tool converts power units; multiply by time for energy calculations.
Reference Table: Common Power Conversions
This table shows exact conversions for common power ratings. All values use precise conversion factors with minimal rounding.
| Watts (W) | Kilowatts (kW) | Horsepower (hp) | BTU/hr | Common Device |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 W | 0.01 kW | 0.013 hp | 34.1 BTU/hr | LED light bulb |
| 60 W | 0.06 kW | 0.080 hp | 204.7 BTU/hr | Incandescent bulb |
| 750 W | 0.75 kW | 1.01 hp | 2559 BTU/hr | Microwave oven |
| 1500 W | 1.5 kW | 2.01 hp | 5118 BTU/hr | Hair dryer, space heater |
| 2500 W | 2.5 kW | 3.35 hp | 8530 BTU/hr | Window AC unit |
| 5000 W | 5.0 kW | 6.70 hp | 17060 BTU/hr | Large window AC |
| 7457 W | 7.457 kW | 10.00 hp | 25444 BTU/hr | Exactly 10 horsepower |
| 15000 W | 15.0 kW | 20.1 hp | 51180 BTU/hr | Small car engine |
| 50000 W | 50.0 kW | 67.0 hp | 170600 BTU/hr | Medium car engine |
| 100000 W | 100 kW | 134 hp | 341200 BTU/hr | Small Tesla motor |
| 250000 W | 250 kW | 335 hp | 853000 BTU/hr | Sports car engine |
| 1000000 W | 1000 kW | 1341 hp | 3.41M BTU/hr | Large industrial motor |
Important Note About Conversion Accuracy
When converting power units for critical applications (circuit design, HVAC sizing, generator selection), always use the exact conversion factors. For casual comparisons, approximations work: 1 hp ≈ 750 W, 1 kW ≈ 3412 BTU/hr, 1000 W = 1 kW exactly. Remember that appliance nameplate ratings show maximum power draw; actual consumption varies with usage. For energy cost calculations, use our conversion first, then multiply by hours of use and electricity rate ($/kWh) to get operating costs. When in doubt between two similar-sized appliances, choose the one with lower power consumption (watts) for lower operating costs.
Power Unit Conversion Result
Original: 1.00 kW
Converted: 1000.00 Watts
Equivalence: ≈ 1.34 horsepower
Generated by Power Unit Converter • https://example.com