Convert Megawatts to Horsepower
Megawatts to horsepower is the conversion you need when a power-plant or large-motor rating in megawatts has to be read in the mechanical horsepower (hp) used for engines and machinery. One megawatt is approximately 1341.02 horsepower, so the horsepower number always comes out much larger.
Megawatts to Horsepower (mechanical) conversion table
| Megawatts (MW) | Horsepower (mechanical) (hp) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1,341.02209 |
| 2 | 2,682.044179 |
| 3 | 4,023.066269 |
| 5 | 6,705.110448 |
| 10 | 13,410.220896 |
| 20 | 26,820.441792 |
| 50 | 67,051.10448 |
| 100 | 134,102.20896 |
| 500 | 670,511.044798 |
| 1,000 | 1,341,022.089595 |
The formula
To convert megawatts to mechanical horsepower, multiply the number of megawatts by 1341.02:
horsepower = megawatts × 1341.02
A worked example
Say you have 1 megawatt and want it in mechanical horsepower:
1 × 1341.02 = 1341.02 hp
So 1 megawatt is approximately 1341.02 horsepower.
Why it's an approximation
Mechanical horsepower (hp) is defined from imperial units — one hp is about 745.7 watts — and that value doesn't divide evenly into a megawatt. So one megawatt comes out to roughly 1341.02 hp, with the exact figure running on past the decimals shown. That's why the number stays approximate. Watch out for the other horsepower: metric horsepower (PS) is about 735.5 watts, roughly 1.4% smaller, so it gives a different result.
When you'll use it
Reading a power-plant or large-motor rating in megawatts against the mechanical horsepower used for engines, turbines, and heavy machinery in the US and UK.
Frequently asked questions
How many horsepower are in a megawatt?
About 1341.02 mechanical horsepower (hp). It's a rounded figure — the exact value runs on past several decimal places, so 1341.02 is the practical number to use.
Is this mechanical or metric horsepower?
This is mechanical horsepower (hp), the imperial unit used for engines and machinery in the US and UK. Metric horsepower (PS), the European unit, is a slightly different size — about 1.4% smaller — so the two give different numbers. Check which one your spec means.
Is the megawatts to horsepower conversion exact?
No. One megawatt works out to roughly 1341.02 mechanical horsepower, and the full value keeps going past the decimals shown, so 1341.02 is rounded for everyday use.