Find horsepower from force, travel distance, and elapsed time, or convert among watts, kilowatts, four horsepower definitions, and BTU per hour.
How to use this calculator
Select the calculation that matches your available measurements and keep its units consistent. Compare mechanical power with mechanical power; electrical input and shaft output differ when efficiency is below 100%.
Examples
10 N over 3 m in 2 seconds
The power is
10 × 3 ÷ 2 = 15 watts, equal to 0.02012 mechanical horsepower and 0.02039 metric horsepower.Mechanical horsepower to watts
1 mechanical horsepower = 745.700 watts.
Formula
power (watts) = force (newtons) × distance (meters) ÷ time (seconds). Conversion divides the watt value by the watt equivalent of the target unit.Motor input electricity and delivered shaft horsepower differ because of efficiency and power factor. Use nameplate data for equipment sizing.
Definition limits
Mechanical horsepower, metric horsepower, watts, and boiler horsepower are distinct units; select the convention that matches the source. Force × distance ÷ time is ideal mechanical power and does not include drivetrain, motor, pump, or thermal efficiency. Rated engine power also depends on the test standard and operating conditions, so a unit conversion does not establish delivered wheel power.