Convert metric horsepower to mechanical horsepower

1 PS=0.9863hp

Use the converter below to change any metric horsepower value into mechanical horsepower instantly — with formula, conversion table, and real-world examples.

You have

Equals

0.98632

Conversion formula

Forward

mechanical horsepower = metric horsepower × 0.9863

Reverse

metric horsepower = mechanical horsepower × 1.01387

Example: 10 PS × 0.9863 = 9.8632 hp.

About both units

From

Metric Horsepower

Metric horsepower (PS in German, ch in French) equals 735.5 watts. It is the standard power unit in European car marketing — a "200 PS" car has 147 kW. Slightly smaller than mechanical horsepower (1.4%).

Real-world: VW Golf GTI: ~245 PS = 180 kW. BMW M3: ~480 PS = 353 kW.

Read full metric horsepower reference →

Mechanical Horsepower

Mechanical horsepower equals 745.7 watts — James Watt's 1782 definition based on horse labor. Used in US car engines, aircraft and some industrial equipment. US muscle cars quote hp; European cars usually kW or PS.

Real-world: Base Ford Mustang: ~310 hp. Lawn mower: 5 hp. Average car: 150–200 hp.

Read full mechanical horsepower reference →

Metric Horsepower to Mechanical Horsepower conversion table

Common metric horsepower to mechanical horsepower values for quick reference.

Metric Horsepower (PS)	Mechanical Horsepower (hp)
1 PS	0.9863 hp
5 PS	4.9316 hp
10 PS	9.8632 hp
50 PS	49.316 hp
100 PS	98.632 hp
500 PS	493.16 hp
1,000 PS	986.32 hp
5,000 PS	4,931.6 hp
10,000 PS	9,863.2 hp
50,000 PS	49,316 hp

Tips & common mistakes

Quick tips

1 PS = 735.5 W = 0.9863 hp.
PS is ~1.4% smaller than mechanical hp.
Look for "PS" in German car brochures; "ch" in French.

Avoid these

Treating PS and hp as equal — 1.4% off.
Using PS in US markets — unfamiliar to consumers.
Mixing PS and kW without conversion.

Frequently asked questions

How many mechanical horsepower in a metric horsepower?

One metric horsepower equals 0.9863 mechanical horsepower.

How do I convert metric horsepower to mechanical horsepower?

Multiply the metric horsepower value by 0.9863 to get the equivalent in mechanical horsepower.

What is 100 metric horsepower in mechanical horsepower?

100 metric horsepower equals 98.632 mechanical horsepower.

Is a metric horsepower bigger than a mechanical horsepower?

No. 1 metric horsepower equals 0.9863 mechanical horsepower, so one metric horsepower is smaller.

How to convert metric horsepower to mechanical horsepower without a calculator?

Multiply by 0.99 for a quick estimate; use a calculator for precise results.

Related power conversions

📊 See full comparison matrix →

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