4 kW equals approximately 5.3649 horsepower. This means that a motor or engine with 4 kilowatts of power can produce about 5.36 horsepower under standard conditions.
To convert kilowatts to horsepower, the common formula is to multiply the kilowatt value by 1.34102. This works because 1 kilowatt is defined as about 1.34102 horsepower, based on the metric system and mechanical horsepower units. For example, 4 kW * 1.34102 = 5.36408 horsepower, rounded to four decimals it’s 5.3649.
Conversion Result and Explanation
The conversion from 4 kW to horsepower results in approximately 5.3649 horsepower, showing a direct translation between the two units based on their defined relationship.
Conversion Tool
Result in horsepower:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert kw to horsepower is: horsepower = kw * 1.34102. This works because 1 kilowatt equals approximately 1.34102 horsepower, based on the international agreement that defines the metric horsepower. Multiplying the kw value by this factor gives the equivalent horsepower, which allows for quick conversions. For example, converting 4 kw: 4 * 1.34102 = 5.36408 horsepower, which rounds to 5.3649.
Conversion Example
- Convert 10 kw to horsepower:
- Step 1: Write the formula: horsepower = kw * 1.34102
- Step 2: Plug in 10: 10 * 1.34102
- Step 3: Calculate: 10 * 1.34102 = 13.4102 horsepower
- Convert 7.5 kw to horsepower:
- Step 1: Write the formula: horsepower = kw * 1.34102
- Step 2: Plug in 7.5: 7.5 * 1.34102
- Step 3: Calculate: 7.5 * 1.34102 = 10.05865 horsepower
- Convert 2.5 kw to horsepower:
- Step 1: Write the formula: horsepower = kw * 1.34102
- Step 2: Plug in 2.5: 2.5 * 1.34102
- Step 3: Calculate: 2.5 * 1.34102 = 3.35255 horsepower
Conversion Chart
This chart shows how different kw values convert to horsepower, from -21.0 to 29.0. Use it to quickly find the equivalent horsepower for any kw value within this range by matching the value to the table.
| kW | Horsepower |
|---|---|
| -21.0 | -28.1942 |
| -20.0 | -26.8204 |
| -19.0 | -25.4466 |
| -18.0 | -24.0728 |
| -17.0 | -22.699 |
| -16.0 | -21.3252 |
| -15.0 | -19.9514 |
| -14.0 | -18.5776 |
| -13.0 | -17.2038 |
| -12.0 | -15.83 |
| -11.0 | -14.4562 |
| -10.0 | -13.0824 |
| -9.0 | -11.7086 |
| -8.0 | -10.3348 |
| -7.0 | -8.961 |
| -6.0 | -7.5872 |
| -5.0 | -6.2134 |
| -4.0 | -4.8396 |
| -3.0 | -3.4658 |
| -2.0 | -2.092 |
| -1.0 | -0.7182 |
| 0.0 | 0 |
| 1.0 | 1.34102 |
| 2.0 | 2.68204 |
| 3.0 | 4.02306 |
| 4.0 | 5.36408 |
| 5.0 | 6.7051 |
| 6.0 | 8.04612 |
| 7.0 | 9.38714 |
| 8.0 | 10.72816 |
| 9.0 | 12.06918 |
| 10.0 | 13.4102 |
| 11.0 | 14.75122 |
| 12.0 | 16.09224 |
| 13.0 | 17.43326 |
| 14.0 | 18.77428 |
| 15.0 | 20.1153 |
| 16.0 | 21.45632 |
| 17.0 | 22.79734 |
| 18.0 | 24.13836 |
| 19.0 | 25.47938 |
| 20.0 | 26.8204 |
| 21.0 | 28.16142 |
| 22.0 | 29.50244 |
| 23.0 | 30.84346 |
| 24.0 | 32.18448 |
| 25.0 | 33.5255 |
| 26.0 | 34.86652 |
| 27.0 | 36.20754 |
| 28.0 | 37.54856 |
| 29.0 | 38.88958 |
Related Conversion Questions
- What is 4 kilowatts in horsepower for electric motors?
- How many horsepower is equivalent to 4 kw in automotive engines?
- Convert 4 kw to horsepower for a generator power rating?
- What is the horsepower output of a 4 kilowatt industrial machine?
- How do I convert 4 kw to horsepower in marine engines?
- What is the horsepower equivalent of 4 kilowatts in different standards?
- Is 4 kw the same as 5 horsepower in mechanical systems?
Conversion Definitions
kw: Kilowatt (kw) is a metric unit of power equal to 1,000 watts, used to measure electrical or mechanical power output, commonly in engines, appliances, and electrical systems.
horsepower: Horsepower (hp) is a traditional unit of power measurement, originally defined as the power to lift 550 pounds by one foot in one second; in metric, it’s approximately 745.7 watts.
Conversion FAQs
Why is the conversion factor 1.34102 for kw to horsepower?
This factor comes from the definition that 1 kilowatt equals about 1.34102 horsepower, based on the mechanical horsepower unit established historically. It provides a direct means to convert between these units quickly and accurately.
Can I convert kilowatts to horsepower without a calculator?
Yes, by using approximate mental math: since 1 kw is about 1.34 hp, multiply the kw value by 1.34 for a quick estimate. For precise calculations, use the exact factor 1.34102.
Is the conversion the same for electric and mechanical horsepower?
No, there are different types of horsepower, like electrical, mechanical, and metric. The commonly used conversion factor of 1.34102 applies to mechanical horsepower, which is the most standard for engine power calculations.
What if I have a different power value than 4 kw, how do I convert it?
Simply multiply the kilowatt value by 1.34102 to get horsepower. For example, for 15 kw, calculate 15 * 1.34102 = 20.1153 horsepower.
Is there a quick way to remember the conversion factor?
Memorize that 1 kw roughly equals 1.34 horsepower. For quick estimates, multiplying by 1.34 gives a close approximation, but for exact results, use the full 1.34102 factor.
Last Updated : 22 July, 2025
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.