BHP to PS Converter

Convert brake horsepower to Pferdestärke instantly

Enter Brake Horsepower (BHP)

Pferdestärke (PS)

Quick Conversions:

BHP to PS Conversion Table

This table shows common brake horsepower values and their equivalent Pferdestärke measurements. Whether you’re comparing British and European car specs or working out engine ratings, these conversions help you understand power outputs across different standards.

Brake Horsepower (BHP)	Pferdestärke (PS)
10 BHP	10.14 PS
25 BHP	25.35 PS
50 BHP	50.69 PS
75 BHP	76.04 PS
100 BHP	101.39 PS
125 BHP	126.73 PS
150 BHP	152.08 PS
175 BHP	177.43 PS
200 BHP	202.77 PS
250 BHP	253.47 PS
300 BHP	304.16 PS
350 BHP	354.85 PS
400 BHP	405.55 PS
450 BHP	456.24 PS
500 BHP	506.94 PS
600 BHP	608.32 PS
700 BHP	709.71 PS

Conversion Formula and Steps

Converting between BHP and PS is straightforward once you know the multiplier. Both measurements represent engine power, but they’re based on slightly different calculation methods from their respective origins in Britain and Germany.

BHP to PS Formula:
PS = BHP × 1.01387

PS to BHP Formula:
BHP = PS × 0.98632

Step-by-Step Conversion

Converting 200 BHP to PS:

1. Take your BHP value: 200
2. Multiply by 1.01387
3. Result: 200 × 1.01387 = 202.774 PS

Converting 250 PS to BHP:

1. Take your PS value: 250
2. Multiply by 0.98632
3. Result: 250 × 0.98632 = 246.58 BHP

The difference between the two measurements is minimal—roughly 1.4%. This is why you’ll often see car manufacturers list both figures side by side in their spec sheets, especially when marketing vehicles across different regions.

What’s the Difference Between BHP and PS?

BHP (Brake Horsepower)

Origin: British Imperial measurement

Definition: Power measured at the engine’s output shaft after accounting for losses from auxiliary components like the gearbox, alternator, and water pump

Common in: United Kingdom, United States

Calculation base: 1 BHP = 745.7 watts

PS (Pferdestärke)

Origin: German metric measurement

Definition: The ability to lift 75 kg one metre in one second

Common in: Continental Europe, particularly Germany

Calculation base: 1 PS = 735.5 watts

Both measurements serve the same purpose—expressing an engine’s power output. The tiny variance comes from their different historical standards. Most modern European manufacturers now use PS or kilowatts (kW), whilst British car buyers typically encounter BHP figures when reading reviews or spec sheets.

When you’re comparing vehicles from different markets, knowing how to switch between these units helps you make accurate assessments. A Volkswagen Golf R listed at 300 PS equals approximately 296 BHP—nearly identical performance, just different ways of expressing it.

Units Of Power Conversions

Beyond BHP and PS, there’s another common power measurement worth knowing—kilowatts (kW). Since 1992, kW has been the EU’s official unit for engine power, though PS remains popular in everyday conversation.

Real-World Examples

A 150 BHP hatchback converts to roughly 152 PS or 112 kW. High-performance cars like the Porsche 911 Turbo might produce 640 PS (631 BHP or 471 kW). Electric vehicles often list their power in kW—a Tesla Model 3 Performance outputs 377 kW, equivalent to 506 BHP or 513 PS.

When browsing European car listings or importing a vehicle, you’ll frequently encounter all three measurements. Knowing these conversions prevents confusion and helps you accurately gauge performance, regardless of which unit the manufacturer prefers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BHP higher than PS?

No, PS values are slightly higher than BHP. One BHP equals approximately 1.014 PS, meaning a 200 BHP engine produces about 203 PS. The difference is small—less than 1.4%—but PS figures always appear marginally higher when both measurements describe the same engine.

Why do German manufacturers use PS instead of BHP?

PS (Pferdestärke) is the metric horsepower measurement developed in Germany and adopted throughout continental Europe. German manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Audi naturally defaulted to their home standard. It’s the European equivalent of the British imperial BHP measurement.

Which measurement is more accurate for car performance?

Both are equally valid measurements of engine power. The accuracy depends on how the power was measured, not which unit is used. BHP and PS can be converted precisely between each other, so neither is inherently more or less accurate. What matters is consistent testing methodology.

Do I need to convert BHP to PS when buying a European car?

It’s helpful but not essential. Most European car listings now show both figures, or you can convert them yourself. If you’re comparing performance specs between a British-market car and a European model, converting to the same unit ensures you’re making a fair comparison.

What’s the relationship between horsepower and torque?

Horsepower (whether BHP or PS) measures overall power output, whilst torque measures rotational force. An engine can have high torque but moderate horsepower, which typically means strong pulling power at lower revs. Both figures together paint a complete picture of engine performance.

Are PS and HP the same thing?

They’re virtually identical. HP (horsepower) is simply the anglicised term for PS. Some manufacturers use HP instead of PS when marketing to English-speaking audiences, but they represent the same metric measurement. One PS equals one metric HP.

Why are there different horsepower measurements?

Different countries developed their own standards before international coordination existed. Britain created BHP based on imperial measurements, Germany developed PS using metric standards, and later the EU adopted kW as the official unit. All three remain in use because people are familiar with them.

How much difference does 10 BHP make?

In smaller cars (under 100 BHP), 10 extra BHP is noticeable during acceleration. In higher-powered vehicles (300+ BHP), the difference becomes less perceptible. The impact also depends on the car’s weight—10 BHP matters more in a lightweight sports car than in a heavy SUV.