BHP to HP Converter

Convert brake horsepower to horsepower with precision. This converter helps you translate engine power ratings between BHP and HP, two measurements commonly used in the automotive industry.

BHP represents the raw power at the engine’s crankshaft, whilst HP accounts for real-world losses through the drivetrain.

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BHP to HP Conversion Table

This table shows common brake horsepower values converted to horsepower. The conversion factor accounts for the difference between crankshaft power and actual usable power.

Brake Horsepower (BHP) Horsepower (HP)
109.86
2524.66
5049.32
7573.97
10098.63
125123.29
150147.95
175172.60
200197.26
250246.58
300295.89
350345.21
400394.53
450443.84
500493.16
600591.79
700690.42
800789.06
900887.69
1000986.32

Conversion Formula

The mathematical relationship between brake horsepower and horsepower is straightforward. To convert from BHP to HP, multiply the BHP value by 0.9863.

HP = BHP × 0.9863

For the reverse conversion (HP to BHP), use this formula:

BHP = HP × 1.01387

Step-by-Step Conversion

  1. Identify your starting value in brake horsepower (BHP).
  2. Multiply that value by 0.9863 to get horsepower (HP).
  3. Round the result to your desired decimal places.

Example: An engine produces 180 BHP. To find the HP: 180 × 0.9863 = 177.53 HP.

What’s the Difference?

Brake horsepower and horsepower measure engine power differently. BHP measures raw engine output at the crankshaft before any power losses. HP typically represents the actual power delivered after accounting for friction and mechanical losses in the drivetrain.

Brake Horsepower (BHP)

Measured at the engine’s crankshaft before power passes through the gearbox, alternator, and other components. This gives you the maximum power the engine produces.

Horsepower (HP)

Represents the power available to actually move the vehicle. This measurement accounts for losses through mechanical components, giving a more realistic performance figure.

Worth noting: BHP values are typically 1-2% higher than HP values. For a 200 BHP engine, you’d expect around 197 HP at the wheels.

Automotive Power Context

Car manufacturers in the UK often advertise brake horsepower figures because they’re slightly higher and sound more impressive. Performance enthusiasts pay attention to both measurements.

Typical BHP Ranges by Vehicle Type

  • Small city cars: 60-100 BHP
  • Family hatchbacks: 100-150 BHP
  • Performance saloons: 200-400 BHP
  • Sports cars: 300-600 BHP
  • Supercars: 600-1000+ BHP

Why BHP Matters for Drivers

Understanding your vehicle’s power output helps you assess acceleration, towing capacity, and fuel consumption. Higher BHP doesn’t always mean better performance—weight, aerodynamics, and torque play crucial roles too.

When comparing vehicles, make sure you’re comparing like with like. Some manufacturers quote BHP, others quote HP, and some use PS (metric horsepower). The differences are small but worth noting for accurate comparisons.

Common Questions

Is BHP the same as HP?
No, they’re different measurements. BHP measures power at the crankshaft, whilst HP measures power after drivetrain losses. BHP is typically 1-2% higher than HP for the same engine.
Which measurement is more accurate?
HP provides a more realistic measure of actual vehicle performance because it accounts for power losses. BHP shows the engine’s maximum potential without considering these losses.
How do I convert 120 BHP to HP?
Multiply 120 by 0.9863. The result is 118.36 HP. You can use the converter above for instant results.
Why do car makers advertise BHP?
Marketing reasons, mainly. BHP figures are slightly higher than HP, making the car appear more powerful on paper. It’s standard practice in the UK automotive industry.
What about wheel horsepower (WHP)?
WHP measures power at the wheels using a dynamometer. It’s typically 15-25% lower than BHP due to drivetrain losses. WHP gives the truest indication of performance.
Can I increase my car’s BHP?
Yes, through modifications like remapping, upgraded exhausts, or forced induction. However, modifications may affect insurance, warranty, and emissions compliance.
What’s the difference between BHP and PS?
PS (Pferdestärke) is metric horsepower used in continental Europe. 1 BHP equals approximately 1.014 PS. The difference is minimal but worth noting when comparing European specifications.

Power Conversions

Engine power can be expressed in several units. Here are the most common conversions you’ll encounter in automotive specifications:

From To Multiply By
BHPHP0.9863
BHPPS (Metric HP)1.01387
BHPKilowatts (kW)0.7457
HPBHP1.01387
HPKilowatts (kW)0.7457
PSBHP0.9863
PSKilowatts (kW)0.7355
Kilowatts (kW)BHP1.341
Kilowatts (kW)HP1.341

Related Conversions

HP to BHP BHP to kW BHP to PS kW to BHP PS to BHP Torque Converter

Measurement History

The concept of horsepower dates back to James Watt in the 18th century. He needed a way to compare steam engine output to the horses they were replacing.

Watt calculated that a horse could turn a mill wheel 144 times per hour, moving 180 pounds at a 12-foot radius. This worked out to roughly 33,000 foot-pounds per minute—the basis for our modern horsepower measurement.

Brake horsepower emerged later as a more precise measurement method. Engineers used a brake mechanism on the engine’s output shaft to measure torque, then calculated power. This “brake test” gave us the term brake horsepower.

British vs American Measurements

There’s a subtle difference between imperial and metric horsepower standards. Imperial horsepower (used in the UK and US) equals 745.7 watts. Metric horsepower (PS) equals 735.5 watts. This explains why you’ll see slight variations in specifications between markets.

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