Power Converter
Convert between watts, kilowatts, horsepower and more
Quick Conversions
About Power Conversion
Power measures the rate at which energy is transferred or converted. The SI unit is the watt (W), equal to one joule per second. Kilowatts and megawatts are used for larger power measurements such as electrical appliances and power plants respectively. A typical household uses about 1-2 kW on average, while a large power plant might generate 500-1,000 MW.
Horsepower (hp) was originally defined by James Watt to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses. One mechanical horsepower equals approximately 745.7 watts. This unit remains the standard for rating engines in automobiles, boats, and machinery, especially in the US market.
BTU per hour (BTU/h) is the standard unit for rating heating and air conditioning equipment in the United States. A window air conditioner might be rated at 5,000-12,000 BTU/h, while a furnace could be rated at 40,000-200,000 BTU/h. Converting between these units is essential for HVAC professionals and energy auditors.