HP to PS Converter

Convert horsepower (HP) to metric horsepower (PS) with precision. Whether you’re comparing car specs or checking engine performance ratings, this converter handles imperial to metric power conversions instantly.

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HP to PS Conversion Table

Here’s a handy reference showing common horsepower values and their metric equivalents. Most modern European cars list power in PS, whilst British and American manufacturers traditionally use HP or BHP.

Horsepower (HP) Metric Horsepower (PS) Kilowatts (kW)
10 HP10.14 PS7.46 kW
25 HP25.35 PS18.64 kW
50 HP50.69 PS37.29 kW
75 HP76.04 PS55.93 kW
100 HP101.39 PS74.57 kW
125 HP126.73 PS93.21 kW
150 HP152.08 PS111.86 kW
175 HP177.43 PS130.50 kW
200 HP202.77 PS149.14 kW
250 HP253.47 PS186.43 kW
300 HP304.16 PS223.71 kW
400 HP405.55 PS298.28 kW
500 HP506.93 PS372.85 kW
600 HP608.32 PS447.42 kW

Conversion Formula

The maths behind converting HP to PS is straightforward. Both units measure power output, but they’re defined slightly differently.

HP to PS Formula

PS = HP × 1.01387
Example: A car with 200 HP produces 200 × 1.01387 = 202.77 PS

PS to HP Formula

HP = PS × 0.98632
Example: An engine rated at 150 PS equals 150 × 0.98632 = 147.95 HP

Step-by-Step Conversion

Converting between HP and PS takes seconds once you know the formula:

  • Take your horsepower figure
  • Multiply by 1.01387 to get PS
  • Round to two decimal places for practical use
  • The difference is roughly 1.4%, so 100 HP ≈ 101 PS

What’s the Difference?

HP and PS measure the same thing—power—but use different definitions. HP (horsepower) is the imperial measurement, whilst PS (Pferdestärke, German for “horse strength”) is the metric version.

Horsepower (HP/BHP)

Power output: 745.7 watts

Used in: UK, USA, Commonwealth countries

Origin: Defined by James Watt in the 18th century

Also called: Brake horsepower (BHP) in Britain

Metric Horsepower (PS)

Power output: 735.5 watts

Used in: Continental Europe, Germany, France

Origin: Metric adaptation of horsepower

Also called: CV (cheval-vapeur) in France, pk in Netherlands

In the UK, you’ll often see BHP (brake horsepower) on car spec sheets. This refers to the same imperial horsepower unit. Continental manufacturers typically list PS, which is why a Golf GTI might be advertised as 245 PS in Germany but 242 BHP in Britain—same engine, different units.

Common Car Ratings

These popular models show how manufacturers list power differently across markets:

Vehicle UK Rating (BHP) European Rating (PS)
Ford Fiesta ST197 BHP200 PS
VW Golf GTI242 BHP245 PS
BMW M3503 BHP510 PS
Porsche 911 Turbo572 BHP580 PS
Mercedes-AMG A45415 BHP421 PS
Audi RS3395 BHP400 PS

Units of Power Conversions

Power can be expressed in several units. Here’s how HP and PS relate to other common measurements:

From To Multiply By
HP to PSMetric Horsepower1.01387
HP to kWKilowatts0.7457
HP to WWatts745.7
PS to HPHorsepower0.98632
PS to kWKilowatts0.7355
PS to WWatts735.5
kW to HPHorsepower1.341
kW to PSMetric Horsepower1.360

FAQs

Is HP the same as BHP in the UK?
Yes, HP and BHP refer to the same measurement. BHP stands for “brake horsepower” and is the term commonly used in Britain. The “brake” part refers to the dynamometer brake used to measure engine power at the flywheel.
Why do European cars use PS instead of HP?
PS is the metric version of horsepower, fitting naturally into the metric system used across Continental Europe. Germany, France, and other European countries adopted PS (Pferdestärke) as their standard power measurement decades ago. British manufacturers traditionally used imperial HP, though many now list both.
Which is higher: 200 HP or 200 PS?
200 PS is slightly higher. Since 1 HP equals 1.014 PS, 200 PS converts to approximately 197 HP. The difference is about 1.4%, so whilst the numbers look similar, PS values are marginally lower than HP for the same actual power output.
Do I need to convert HP to PS when comparing cars?
It’s helpful but not essential for rough comparisons. The 1.4% difference means a car with 250 HP has roughly 253 PS—close enough for casual comparison. However, for precise performance analysis or when comparing similarly-powered vehicles, converting to the same unit gives you accurate numbers.
What about kilowatts (kW)?
Kilowatts are increasingly common, especially for electric vehicles. 1 HP equals 0.746 kW, whilst 1 PS equals 0.735 kW. The EU now requires power to be listed in kW, though manufacturers often include HP or PS as well. A typical hot hatch with 200 HP produces roughly 149 kW.
Why are HP and PS so close in value?
Both units were created to compare engine power to the work rate of horses. The imperial HP was defined as 33,000 foot-pounds per minute, whilst metric PS uses 75 kilogram-metres per second. These definitions produce nearly identical values—just different enough to require conversion.
Are there other types of horsepower?
Yes, though less common. Electrical horsepower (exactly 746 W) is used for electric motors. Boiler horsepower measures steam boiler capacity. Metric horsepower (PS) and mechanical horsepower (HP) are what you’ll see for cars and motorcycles. Some manufacturers also reference “DIN PS” or “SAE HP”, indicating the testing standard used.

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