Direct answer

Watt vs Horsepower: What’s the Difference?

Both measure power. 1 mechanical horsepower ≈ 745.7 W. When to use W vs hp for motors and vehicles.

Question

What is the difference between a watt and horsepower?

Watts and horsepower both measure power. 1 mechanical horsepower equals about 745.7 watts.

1 hp

≈ 745.7 W

1 kW

≈ 1.341 hp

Dimension

Both are power (energy/time)

The watt (W) is the SI power unit: one joule per second.

Mechanical horsepower (hp) is still common for engines and some motor nameplates.

Multiply hp by 745.7 to get watts. Divide watts by 745.7 to get hp.

Important caveat

Metric horsepower (PS) is slightly different (~735.5 W). Check which horsepower definition a datasheet uses.