Converting watts to horsepower is fundamental in the automotive industry, electrical engineering and mechanics. Two systems coexist: the metric horsepower (CV, 735.499 W) and the mechanical horsepower (HP, 745.7 W).
The metric horsepower (used in Europe for cars) equals 735.499 watts. The mechanical horsepower (used in the United States) equals 745.7 watts. To convert watts to metric CV, divide by 735.499.
📐 Formula
CV (metric) = Watts ÷ 735.499
HP (mechanical) = Watts ÷ 745.7
📊 Reference table
| Watts (W) | Metric CV | Mechanical HP | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 735 | 1 | 0.99 | 1 metric CV |
| 745.7 | 1.01 | 1 | 1 mechanical HP |
| 1000 | 1.36 | 1.34 | 1 kW |
| 5000 | 6.80 | 6.71 | 5 kW |
| 73500 | 99.93 | 98.56 | 100 CV |
| 147000 | 199.9 | 197.1 | 200 CV |
| 220000 | 299.1 | 295.0 | 300 CV |
💡 Practical examples
Example 1: 110,000 W (sports car)
110,000 ÷ 735.499 ≈ 149.6 CV. A 110 kW engine develops approximately 150 metric horsepower.
Example 2: 1,000 W (1 kW, electric motor)
1,000 ÷ 735.499 ≈ 1.36 CV. A small 1 kW electric motor equals 1.36 metric CV.
Example 3: 373,000 W (500 HP)
373,000 ÷ 735.499 ≈ 507 CV. An American 500 HP supercar corresponds to approximately 507 metric CV.