kW to BHP Converter
Formula
BHP = kW × 1.34102209
Common Kilowatts to Brake Horsepower Conversions
How to Convert Kilowatts to BHP
A kilowatt (kW) is the international SI unit of power, equal to 1,000 watts. It is used across engineering, EU vehicle homologation documents, and electric motor ratings — essentially any metric context where power output needs to be expressed consistently.
Brake horsepower (BHP) measures an engine's output at the crankshaft, after accounting for internal friction losses. It is the standard figure quoted in UK car adverts, manufacturer brochures, and insurance documents. The term originated from the braking force applied by a dynamometer when measuring output on a test rig.
To convert kilowatts to brake horsepower, multiply the kW value by 1.34102209. For example, 150 kW × 1.34102209 = 201.15 BHP. To go the other way and convert BHP to kW, multiply by 0.7457.
Common Examples
Formula & Methodology
The exact formula for the BHP conversion is:
This factor is derived from the definition of mechanical horsepower: 1 hp = 550 foot-pounds per second = 745.69987 watts. Dividing 1,000 W (one kilowatt) by 745.69987 gives exactly 1.34102209 — the factor used here.
There are three common horsepower variants. Confusing them is a frequent source of error when comparing international car specifications:
kW to BHP Conversion Chart by Vehicle Type
This kW to BHP chart maps common power outputs to typical vehicle categories. Use it as a quick reference when comparing cars across European and UK markets.
When Do You Need to Convert kW to BHP?
- Buying a used car from Europe: EU listings quote power in kW; convert to BHP to compare against UK-market cars directly.
- Reading a workshop or service manual: Some manuals list engine output in kW even where BHP is the familiar unit.
- Interpreting dyno or rolling road results: Tuning shops sometimes report figures in kW depending on the software used.
- Comparing EV specifications: Electric vehicles are almost always rated in kW — convert to BHP for a like-for-like comparison with petrol cars.
- Specifying industrial motors: Motor data sheets use kW; engineers often need the BHP equivalent for legacy equipment compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between kW and BHP?
kW (kilowatt) is an SI unit of power used across engineering and physics worldwide. BHP (brake horsepower) is an automotive unit measuring engine output at the crankshaft. Both measure the same physical quantity — power — but use different scales. 1 kW equals approximately 1.341 BHP.
Why do UK car specs use BHP but EU specs use kW?
EU type-approval regulations require power to be stated in kW as the legally recognised SI unit. The UK retained BHP as the consumer-facing figure after decades of use in the automotive press and motor trade. Most UK manufacturers publish both values, but BHP remains dominant in adverts and buyer guides.
Is 100 kW a lot of power for a car?
100 kW equals approximately 134 BHP. For a small city car, that is substantial — most city cars produce 50–75 kW. For a family hatchback it is perfectly adequate. For a performance car it is modest. Context — particularly the car's kerb weight — matters as much as the power figure itself.
What is 200 kW in BHP?
200 kW is equal to 268.2 BHP (200 × 1.34102209). That places a car firmly in hot-hatch to fast-saloon territory — enough for a 0–62 mph time in the low five-second range, depending on weight and transmission.
Is BHP the same as HP?
Nearly, but not exactly. BHP and SAE mechanical horsepower (hp) both equal 745.7 watts, so the numbers are identical. However, “hp” in continental European contexts often refers to PS (metric horsepower), which equals 735.5 W — about 1.4% less than BHP. Always check which standard is being used when comparing specifications across markets.
How can I roughly convert kW to BHP in my head?
Multiply by 4, then divide by 3 (×4÷3). For example, 150 kW: 150 × 4 = 600 ÷ 3 = 200 BHP. The exact answer is 201.15 BHP, so the mental trick is accurate to within 1% — more than close enough for a quick comparison at a car showroom or auction.