KW in PS
Fast & Precise

Convert KW in PS

The fastest way to convert kilowatts to metric horsepower. Instant real-time calculation, zero ads, maximum precision.

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PS

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Converting kilowatts (kW) to metric horsepower (PS) is an essential calculation for vehicle power evaluation. The conversion formula is: kW × 1.35962 = PS. This conversion factor is derived from the definition of 1 PS as 75 kilogram-force meters per second (75 kgf·m/s), which equals 735.49875 Watts (W).

The kW unit is the official metric SI unit and has been mandatory in European Union vehicle registration papers since 2010. Metric horsepower (PS) – known in French as Cheval-vapeur (CV) – remains the preferred everyday unit in Germany, Europe, and Japan. In the US and UK, mechanical horsepower (HP) is used (1 HP = 745.7 W = 1.01387 PS).

kW Kilowatt × 1,35962 Factor PS Horsepower

Convert KW to PS in 3 Simple Steps

The complete kW-to-PS calculation workflow

1

Read the kW Rating

Find the engine power in kW from your vehicle registration document (Field P.2), specification sheet, or owner manual.

2

Multiply by 1.35962

Multiply the recorded kW value by the exact conversion factor 1.35962. The formula is: PS = kW × 1.35962.

3

Get Your PS Output

The result is the engine power in metric horsepower (PS). An engine rated at 100 kW delivers 100 × 1.35962 = 135.96 PS.

An electric vehicle motor with 150 kW produces 150 × 1.35962 = 203.94 PS. An internal combustion engine with 85 kW delivers 85 × 1.35962 = 115.57 PS. The exact same formula applies across combustion, electric, and hybrid drivetrains.

Calculate PS from a KW Rating

Formulas and bidirectional conversions at a glance

kW → PS
PS = kW × 1,35962
Example: 110 kW × 1,35962 = 149,56 PS
PS → kW
kW = PS × 0,73550
Example: 200 PS × 0,73550 = 147,10 kW

Interactive Formula Demonstration

× 1,35962
=
— PS

Calculating PS from kilowatts requires a single calculation: multiply kW by 1.35962. For the inverse conversion (PS to kW), multiply the PS rating by 0.73550.

3 commonly searched examples: 75 kW × 1.35962 = 101.97 PS. 110 kW × 1.35962 = 149.56 PS. 200 kW × 1.35962 = 271.92 PS.

Conversion Factor Between KW and PS

Where the 1.35962 factor comes from and how automotive power units relate

Mathematical Derivation

Definition 1 PS = 75 kgf·m/s = 735.49875 W
SI Standard 1 kW = 1,000 W
Result 1 kW = 1,000 ÷ 735.49875 = 1.35962 PS

Power Units Comparison Matrix

× 1,35962 × 1,34102 × 1,35962 × 1,34102 × 1.000 kW Kilowatt PS Metric HP HP Horsepower CV Cheval-vapeur BHP Brake HP W Watt
PS (Pferdestärke) – DIN 66036 – Germany, EU, Japan
HP (Horsepower) – SAE International – USA, UK. 1 HP = 745.7 W
CV (Cheval-vapeur) – Metric PS – France, Italy, Spain. 1 CV = 1 PS
BHP (Brake Horsepower) – Dyno-measured brake horsepower
W (Watt) – SI Base Unit for Power

Conversion Table

Click any row to load the value directly into the calculator

kW (Kilowatt) PS (Metric HP) HP (Mechanical)
25 kW 33.99 PS 33.53 hp
40 kW 54.38 PS 53.64 hp
50 kW 67.98 PS 67.05 hp
60 kW 81.58 PS 80.46 hp
70 kW 95.17 PS 93.87 hp
75 kW 101.97 PS 100.58 hp
80 kW 108.77 PS 107.28 hp
90 kW 122.37 PS 120.69 hp
100 kW 135.96 PS 134.10 hp
110 kW 149.56 PS 147.51 hp
120 kW 163.15 PS 160.92 hp
130 kW 176.75 PS 174.33 hp
140 kW 190.35 PS 187.74 hp
150 kW 203.94 PS 201.15 hp
175 kW 237.93 PS 234.68 hp
200 kW 271.92 PS 268.20 hp
225 kW 305.91 PS 301.73 hp
250 kW 339.91 PS 335.26 hp
300 kW 407.89 PS 402.31 hp
350 kW 475.87 PS 469.36 hp
400 kW 543.85 PS 536.41 hp
500 kW 679.81 PS 670.51 hp

Understanding Engine Power in KW and PS

What engine power represents and how torque and RPM work together

Live Power Gauge

110 kW
0 250 500

Power by Vehicle Segment

Subcompact 44–66 kW (60–90 PS)
Compact Class 81–110 kW (110–150 PS)
Mid-Size / Executive 110–184 kW (150–250 PS)
Sports Car / Performance 221–441+ kW (300–600+ PS)

Engine power measures the rate of work done per unit time. Power is a function of torque and rotational speed (RPM). Formula: Power (kW) = Torque (Nm) × RPM ÷ 9,549.

For combustion engines, power is governed by displacement, compression, and forced induction. A turbocharger increases output by 30–40%, while a supercharger boosts it by 20–30%. Electric motors deliver maximum torque instantly from 0 RPM.

Real-World Examples: KW in PS

12 common automotive kW ratings and their exact PS equivalent (click to calculate)

0.25 kW
→
0.34 PS
0.75 kW
→
1.02 PS
62 kW
→
84.30 PS
85 kW
→
115.57 PS
100 kW
→
135.96 PS
110 kW
→
149.56 PS
120 kW
→
163.15 PS
125 kW
→
169.95 PS
130 kW
→
176.75 PS
135 kW
→
183.55 PS
150 kW
→
203.94 PS
221 kW
→
300.48 PS

Decimal values such as 0.29 kW (0.39 PS), 0.3 kW (0.41 PS), or 0.5 kW (0.68 PS) use the exact same calculation. The formula PS = kW × 1.35962 works for any positive number. Other common values: 103 kW = 140.04 PS, 132 kW = 179.47 PS, 140 kW = 190.35 PS, 230 kW = 312.71 PS.

From Manufacturer Specs to Horsepower

Where to locate the kW specification on vehicle documents

Vehicle Registration Certificate (Part I)
A Registration Number XX-1234
D.1 Make Volkswagen / BMW
D.3 Commercial Model Golf / 3 Series
P.2 Rated Power in kW 110 kW
P.3 Fuel Type Petrol / Gasoline
G Curb Weight in kg 1.355 kg
110 kW × 1,35962 = 149,56 PS

3 Steps to Find Your True PS

  1. 1
    Locate Field P.2 on your vehicle registration certificate (Part I) – this contains the official maximum net power in kilowatts (kW).
  2. 2
    Multiply the kW number by 1.35962 – for instance, 110 kW × 1.35962 = 149.56 PS.
  3. 3
    Round to the nearest whole number – 149.56 PS rounds to 150 PS for everyday automotive discussions.

The kW figure is also printed in the vehicle user manual, manufacturer certificate of conformity (CoC), and on the engine VIN plate.

Determine PS from Vehicle Performance

Calculate power-to-weight ratio and evaluate real road performance

Power-to-Weight Calculator

Power-to-weight ratio determines true vehicle acceleration and handling. Formula: Ratio = Engine Power (PS) ÷ Vehicle Weight (kg) × 1,000.

Engine Output — PS
Power-to-Weight (PS) — PS/t
Power-to-Weight (kW) — kW/t

Chassis Dynamometer (Dyno)

Engine power measured at the wheels is known as Brake Horsepower (BHP), reflecting drivetrain losses of 5–15% compared to factory crankshaft ratings.

Electric vs Combustion Powertrains

Electric motors produce instantaneous maximum torque at zero RPM, whereas combustion engines must reach specific RPM bands to hit peak power.

Frequently Asked Questions

11 in-depth answers on automotive power measurement

PS stands for Pferdestärke (metric horsepower). 1 PS is defined as the power required to lift 75 kilograms by 1 meter in 1 second (75 kgf·m/s). In DIN 66036 standards, 1 PS equals 735.49875 Watts (0.73550 kW).
kW stands for Kilowatt and is the official SI standard unit for mechanical and electrical power. 1 kW equals 1,000 Watts. European Union regulations require kW as the primary unit in vehicle registration documents.
To convert kilowatts to metric horsepower, multiply the kW rating by 1.35962 (Formula: PS = kW × 1.35962). For example, 110 kW × 1.35962 = 149.56 PS.
1 kW equals exactly 1.35962 PS. This value is derived from dividing 1,000 W by 735.49875 W.
100 kW equals 135.96 PS (100 × 1.35962 = 135.96 PS), which equals approximately 134.10 mechanical horsepower (hp).
150 kW equals 203.94 PS (150 × 1.35962 = 203.94 PS). This is a typical rating for executive sedans and mid-range electric vehicles.
The standard metric conversion factor is 1.35962 for kW to PS, and 0.73550 for PS to kW.
PS has been established for over a century. Consumers find horsepower figures easier to understand and relate to, while higher numbers also provide psychological marketing advantages.
In EU registration certificates (Part I), the power in kW is listed in Field P.2. It is also found in the vehicle handbook and the engine VIN plate.
Yes. The formula PS = kW × 1.35962 applies to all numbers, such as 0.75 kW = 1.02 PS or 132.5 kW = 180.15 PS.
Divide the PS result by 1.35962 or multiply by 0.73550. The resulting value should match the original kW rating.