Power Converter
Convert power units with the factor behind each answer. Real power (W), apparent power (VA) and reactive power (VAR) are different quantities, so each one converts only within itself.
1 kW = 1.34102209 HP
Common conversions
- 1 W = 0.001 kW
- 1 kW = 1,000 W
- 1 kW = 1.34102209 HP
- 1 HP = 0.7456998716 kW
- 1 MW = 1,000 kW
- 1 BTU/h = 0.2930710702 W
- 1 TR = 3.516852842 kW
kW, kVA and kVAR are not interchangeable
kW is real power that does work, kVA is apparent power (voltage times current), and kVAR is reactive power. They are linked by S² = P² + Q² and by the power factor, pf = P / S. Converting kVA to kW needs a power factor, so it is not a unit conversion. Use the kVA to kW calculator for that.
Horsepower is not one unit
This page uses mechanical horsepower (550 ft·lbf/s). Metric horsepower (PS) is slightly smaller, and many motor makers round to 746 W. For a motor, work from the kW on the nameplate.
BTU/h and TR describe heat
They rate heating and cooling capacity. A 1 TR air conditioner removes heat at that rate, but draws far less electrical power than its cooling capacity.
Unit factors
Every unit in terms of the base unit shown. To convert, multiply by the factor of the unit you have and divide by the factor of the unit you want.
Power (real, W) units
| Unit | Equals | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| µW | 1 × 10⁻⁶ W | Microwatt, a millionth of a watt. |
| mW | 0.001 W | Milliwatt, a thousandth of a watt. |
| W | 1 W | Watt, one joule per second. The SI unit of power. |
| kW | 1,000 W | Kilowatt. The usual rating unit for motors, heaters and generators. |
| MW | 1,000,000 W | Megawatt, for power stations and large plant. |
| HP | 745.6998716 W | Mechanical horsepower: 550 foot-pounds-force per second. Electric motors are often rated 1 hp = 746 W, so check the nameplate in kW. |
| PS | 735.49875 W | Metric horsepower (PS, CV, cv): 75 kilogram-force metres per second. |
| BTU/h | 0.2930710702 W | British thermal units per hour (International Table BTU). A heat flow, used for heating and cooling ratings. |
| TR | 3,516.852842 W | Ton of refrigeration: 12,000 BTU/h. A cooling capacity, not the electrical power the machine draws. |
| GW | 1,000,000,000 W | Gigawatt, a billion watts. National and regional grid capacity. |
| BHP | 745.6998716 W | Brake horsepower: power measured at the engine or motor shaft. In the imperial system it uses the same 550 ft·lbf/s as mechanical horsepower, so 1 BHP = 1 HP here. Metric brake horsepower is closer to PS. |
Apparent power (VA) units
| Unit | Equals | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| VA | 1 VA | Volt-ampere, the unit of apparent power. Not the same as watts unless the power factor is 1. |
| kVA | 1,000 VA | Kilovolt-ampere. Transformers, UPS and generators are rated in kVA. |
| MVA | 1,000,000 VA | Megavolt-ampere, for large transformers and grid equipment. |
Reactive power (VAR) units
| Unit | Equals | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| VAR | 1 VAR | Volt-ampere reactive, the unit of reactive power. |
| kVAR | 1,000 VAR | Kilovolt-ampere reactive. Capacitor banks are rated in kVAR. |
| MVAR | 1,000,000 VAR | Megavolt-ampere reactive. |
Conversion pages
W to kWkW to WkW to HPHP to kWW to mWmW to WkW to MWMW to kWBTU/h to kWkW to BTU/hTR to kWkW to TR
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula to convert kW to HP?
HP = kW × 1.34102209. For example, 5 kW is 6.705110448 HP.
How do I convert HP back to kW?
kW = HP × 0.7456998716. The Swap button above reverses the direction for any pair of units.
Can I convert kVA to kW with a factor?
Not with a fixed factor. kVA is apparent power and kW is real power, and the ratio is the power factor of the load. Use the kVA to kW calculator and enter the power factor.
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