Power (horsepower)
3.35256
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📘 About the Power (P = W/t)
Power is the rate of doing work, or of transferring energy. Two people can lift the same box to the same height, doing the same work, but the one who does it faster is more powerful. This calculator uses P = W ÷ t.
Power is measured in watts (W), where 1 W = 1 J/s. The result is also shown in kilowatts and in mechanical horsepower (1 hp = 745.7 W), used for engines and motors.
🧮 Formula
For electrical power use P = VI — see the electric power calculator.
✏️ Worked examples
Climbing stairs
You get| Power (W) | 500 |
| Power (kW) | 0.5 |
| Power (horsepower) | 0.670511 |
A 60 kg person climbing 5 m in 6 s does about 3,000 J of work, a power of 500 W (0.670511 hp).
Try this example →Motor lifting a load
You get| Power (W) | 2,500 |
| Power (kW) | 2.5 |
| Power (horsepower) | 3.35256 |
50 kJ in 20 s is 2.5 kW.
Try this example →🧭 How to use this calculator
What you enter
- Work done or energy (W) (J)
- Time taken (t) (s)
What you get
- Power (W)
- Power (kW)
- Power (horsepower)
💡 Units of power
- 1 watt (W) = 1 J/s
- 1 kilowatt (kW) = 1,000 W
- 1 horsepower (hp) = 745.7 W (metric hp = 735.5 W)
- 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) is energy, not power: 1 kW for 1 hour = 3.6 MJ
❓ Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for power in physics?
Power = work done ÷ time (P = W/t). Its unit is the watt.
How many watts is 1 horsepower?
About 746 W (mechanical horsepower).
What is the difference between energy and power?
Energy is the amount of work that can be done (J). Power is how fast it is done (J/s = W).
Is kWh a unit of power?
No, kWh is a unit of energy: 1 kWh = 3,600,000 J.