Horsepower
A traditional unit of power. 1 metric hp = 735.5 W; 1 US hp = 745.7 W.
Definition
Horsepower (hp) is a unit of power originally coined by James Watt to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses. There are several definitions: the mechanical/imperial horsepower (≈745.7 W), the metric horsepower (≈735.5 W), and the electrical horsepower (exactly 746 W).
Formula
1 hp (imperial) = 745.7 W; 1 hp (metric) = 735.5 W
Examples
- A typical family car engine produces 100–200 hp.
- The human body at peak effort produces about 1.2 hp for a few seconds.