Power Unit Converter
The power unit converter allows you to convert between commonly used power measurements such as watts, kilowatts, megawatts, and horsepower. This tool is useful for electrical engineers, mechanics, energy analysts, and anyone working with power calculations. Select a conversion below or choose from popular power unit conversions.
Supported Power Units
| Unit | Short Form | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Watt | W | SI derived unit of power, J/s |
| Kilowatt | kW | 1,000 watts, common for household appliances |
| Megawatt | MW | 1,000,000 watts, used for power plants |
| Milliwatt | mW | 1/1,000 of a watt, used in electronics |
| Horsepower | hp | Imperial unit, approximately 746 watts |
Popular Power Conversions
- Watt to Kilowatt
- Kilowatt to Watt
- Horsepower to Watt
- Watt to Horsepower
- Megawatt to Kilowatt
- Kilowatt to Horsepower
How Power Unit Conversion Works
Power units are converted using fixed mathematical ratios based on the definition of power as energy per unit time.
For example, 1 kilowatt equals 1,000 watts, and 1 horsepower equals approximately 745.7 watts.
Our power converter uses accurate conversion factors to ensure precise results for electrical, mechanical, and energy calculations.
Common Use Cases
- Electrical appliance power ratings
- Engine and motor specifications
- Solar panel and renewable energy systems
- Power plant capacity calculations
- HVAC system power requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the power unit converter?
Our converter uses precise conversion factors based on international standards. Results are accurate to multiple decimal places, suitable for professional use in engineering and energy analysis.
What is a watt?
A watt (W) is the SI derived unit of power, defined as one joule per second. It measures the rate of energy transfer or consumption. It’s named after James Watt, inventor of the steam engine.
How many watts are in a kilowatt?
1 kilowatt equals exactly 1,000 watts. This is a standard metric conversion commonly used for household appliances and small electrical systems.
What’s the difference between watts and watt-hours?
Watts (W) measure power - the rate of energy use at a moment in time. Watt-hours (Wh) measure energy - the total amount of energy used over time. A 100W light bulb running for 10 hours uses 1,000 watt-hours (1 kWh).
How many watts are in a horsepower?
1 horsepower equals approximately 745.7 watts (or 0.7457 kilowatts). This conversion is commonly used when comparing electric motors to gasoline engines.
What is the origin of horsepower?
Horsepower was defined by James Watt to compare steam engine output to the power of draft horses. One horsepower is roughly the power a horse can sustain over a working period.
How much power does a typical household use?
An average home in the US uses about 1-2 kilowatts continuously (averaging all usage over 24 hours), with peak usage potentially reaching 5-10 kilowatts when multiple appliances run simultaneously.
What is a megawatt used for?
Megawatts (MW) are used to measure the output of power plants, large industrial facilities, and utility-scale renewable energy installations. A typical natural gas power plant might generate 500-1,000 MW.