Horsepower (mech) to Metric Horsepower Converter (hp to PS)

How to Convert Mechanical Horsepower to Metric Horsepower (PS)

The formula to convert mechanical Horsepower (hp) to metric Horsepower (PS) is:

Reverse formula — PS to hp:

Examples:

• 1 hp = 1.0139 PS
• 100 hp = 101.39 PS
• 150 hp = 152.08 PS
• 200 hp = 202.77 PS
• 500 hp = 506.93 PS

What is Mechanical Horsepower (hp)?

Mechanical horsepower (hp) is the imperial unit of power defined by James Watt in the 18th century. One mechanical hp equals 745.7 watts or 550 foot-pounds per second. It is the standard for engine power ratings in the United States and United Kingdom. When you see "hp" on a US car spec sheet, it always means mechanical horsepower.

What is Metric Horsepower (PS)?

Metric horsepower — abbreviated as PS (from German: Pferdestärke, meaning "horse strength") — is the standard power unit used in Europe, Japan, and most of Asia. One PS equals exactly 735.499 watts or 75 kilogram-force meters per second (75 kgf·m/s). European car manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, and Ferrari always quote engine power in PS on their official spec sheets.

HP vs PS — What is the Difference?

The difference between mechanical hp and metric PS is small but real — about 1.4%:

Feature	Mechanical HP (hp)	Metric HP (PS)
Equals in Watts	745.7 W	735.499 W
Difference	+1.4% more than PS	−1.4% less than hp
1 unit in other	1.0139 PS	0.9863 hp
Origin	James Watt, UK (1782)	Germany (metric system)
Used in	USA, UK	Europe, Japan, India, Asia
Car brands	Ford, GM, Dodge, Jeep	BMW, VW, Toyota, Honda
Abbreviation	hp	PS (Pferdestärke)

Real Car Engine Comparison — hp vs PS

Car Model	Mechanical HP	Metric PS
Maruti Alto K10	67 hp	67.93 PS
Honda City (petrol)	121 hp	122.68 PS
Hyundai Creta	157 hp	159.18 PS
BMW 3 Series 320i	184 hp	186.55 PS
Mercedes C-Class	255 hp	258.54 PS
Porsche 911 Carrera	443 hp	449.15 PS
Bugatti Chiron	1,479 hp	1,499.53 PS

Why Does the Difference Matter?

The 1.4% difference matters when comparing cars from different markets. For example:

• A BMW M3 listed as 510 PS in Germany = 503 hp in the US
• A Ford Mustang listed as 450 hp in the US = 456.2 PS in Europe
• For everyday use, most people treat hp and PS as equal — the difference is too small to notice in performance

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert mechanical horsepower to metric horsepower (PS)?

Multiply hp by 1.0139. Formula: PS = hp × 1.0139. Example: 100 hp × 1.0139 = 101.39 PS.

Is HP and PS the same?

No. 1 mechanical hp = 745.7 watts while 1 PS = 735.5 watts. So 1 hp = 1.0139 PS — they differ by about 1.4%. In everyday use many people treat them as equal, but technically they are different.

What is 100 hp in PS?

100 hp = 101.39 PS. Formula: 100 × 1.0139 = 101.39 PS. The difference is about 1.4 PS on a 100 hp engine.

Which is bigger — hp or PS?

Mechanical horsepower (hp) is slightly bigger. 1 hp = 1.0139 PS. So a 100 hp engine has slightly more power than a 100 PS engine.

Why do European cars use PS instead of hp?

PS (Pferdestärke) is the German metric unit. European manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Volkswagen traditionally use PS on spec sheets. US and UK brands use mechanical hp. Both measure the same engine power with a small 1.4% difference.

What is 200 hp in PS?

200 hp = 202.77 PS. Formula: 200 × 1.0139 = 202.77 PS. This is a typical mid-range performance car engine rating.