Power Converter

Power converter: watts, horsepower, BTU/h, and more

A power converter switches between watts, kilowatts, mechanical and metric horsepower, BTU per hour, and related rates of energy transfer. Use it for appliance labels, motor nameplates, HVAC sizing notes, and physics homework.

Power is energy per time—not the same as energy (kWh) or force. Pick the quantity your datasheet actually lists.

How to use this converter

1. Choose the unit on the nameplate or problem statement.
2. Enter the numeric power.
3. Select the target unit (for example hp → kW).
4. Copy for specs, comparisons, or lab write-ups.

Before and after examples

Handy power equivalents.

Watts, kilowatts, and horsepower

The watt (W) is the SI unit: one joule per second. Appliance and solar sheets usually show W or kW. Mechanical horsepower (≈746 W) appears on US motors and cars; metric horsepower differs slightly—match the definition your region’s table uses.

Do not confuse kilowatts (power) with kilowatt-hours (energy). A 2 kW heater running one hour uses 2 kWh; convert energy with the energy converter when bills or battery packs are the topic.

HVAC and thermal rates

BTU/h and tons of refrigeration show up on cooling equipment. Converting to kW helps compare international catalogs. Real system efficiency still depends on SEER/COP ratings—unit conversion alone does not size a install.

Energy, force, and fuel

When a problem gives force and velocity, power follows from physics relationships outside this page. For fuel economy and energy content, use the fuel and energy converters alongside power when comparing engines or generators.

Frequently asked questions