Mechanical power calculator
Power is the rate of doing work. Choose a method and enter the two values.
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Processing and privacy: The result is calculated inside your browser and your data is not sent to any server.
How to use it
- Enter method, work or energy, time, force and speed.
- The result appears straight away and updates as you edit.
- Copy the result, or copy a link that keeps the same values to share it.
How it is calculated
P = W ÷ t or P = F × v. Mechanical horsepower = 745.69987 W (550 ft·lbf/s); metric horsepower = 735.49875 W.
Example
Inputs: Method = From work and time, Work or energy = 1,000 J, Time = 10 s, Force = 500 N, Speed = 2 m/s. Result: Power: 100 W; In kilowatts: 0.1 kW; In mechanical horsepower: 0.1341 hp.
Limits and caveats
- Gives the average power over the time entered.
- Does not include machine losses; real output is lower than input depending on efficiency.
Questions about this tool
What is the difference between mechanical and metric horsepower?
Mechanical horsepower (hp) is about 745.7 W and metric horsepower (PS) is 735.5 W. Many European car specs use PS.
How is power different from energy?
Energy is the amount of work in joules; power is how fast it is done, in watts. One watt is one joule per second.
When do I use P = F × v?
When a constant force moves something at a steady speed in its direction, such as a crane lifting a load or a car cruising.