kW to BHP Calculator
Convert kW to BHP instantly. Also convert BHP to kW, and see metric horsepower (PS) and imperial horsepower conversions for cars, engines, and motors.
Power Conversion Details
Enter a power value to convert between kW, BHP, and PS
Kilowatts, as shown on a V5C logbook or motor nameplate.
Used only to tailor the notes shown with your result.
Typical loss between the crank (BHP) and the wheels. Leave at 15% if unsure.
Conversion Results
Your power value across all common units
Enter a power value above, then click Convert Power to see it in kW, BHP, PS, and estimated wheel horsepower.
Common kW to BHP Conversions
Use this table as a quick lookup for typical engine and motor power ratings without needing to run the calculator each time.
| Kilowatts (kW) | Brake Horsepower (BHP) | Metric Horsepower (PS) |
|---|---|---|
| 50 kW | 67.1 BHP | 68.0 PS |
| 75 kW | 100.6 BHP | 102.0 PS |
| 100 kW | 134.1 BHP | 136.0 PS |
| 150 kW | 201.2 BHP | 203.9 PS |
| 200 kW | 268.2 BHP | 271.9 PS |
| 300 kW | 402.3 BHP | 407.9 PS |
kW to BHP FAQ
Everything you need to know about converting between kilowatts, brake horsepower, and metric horsepower.
To convert kilowatts to brake horsepower, multiply the kW figure by 1.34102. For example, 100 kW is equal to approximately 134.1 BHP. This is the standard conversion factor used for imperial mechanical horsepower, which is what BHP figures are based on.
BHP (brake horsepower) and HP (horsepower) are usually based on the imperial mechanical horsepower unit, equal to 1 kW multiplied by 1.34102. PS (Pferdestarke, or metric horsepower), commonly used by European and Japanese manufacturers, is slightly smaller, equal to 1 kW multiplied by 1.35962. The differences are small but can matter when comparing manufacturer specifications.
Kilowatts are the official SI unit used in most EU and UK regulatory documents, such as vehicle registration certificates. BHP remains the more commonly understood figure among UK and US consumers for describing engine or motor performance, while PS is widely used by European and Japanese manufacturers in their technical brochures.
Brake horsepower measures the power output at the engine’s crankshaft before losses from the gearbox, transmission, and drivetrain, measured using a dynamometer or ‘brake’. This differs from wheel horsepower, which accounts for drivetrain losses and is typically 10 to 20 percent lower than the brake horsepower figure.
Most UK family cars produce between 70 kW and 150 kW (roughly 95 to 200 BHP), depending on the engine size and whether it is petrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric. Performance and sports cars can exceed 250 kW (335 BHP), while small city cars often sit closer to 50 to 70 kW.