Metric horsepower (PS)

Definition

Metric horsepower (PS/CV), about 735.50 watts — slightly less than mechanical hp.

History

Metric horsepower, also called PS or CV, was defined in continental Europe as the power to raise 75 kilograms by one meter in one second, about 735.5 watts. It is slightly less than mechanical horsepower.

Where it is used

Metric horsepower is used to state car engine power in Europe and Japan.

Typical uses include car power in Europe and Japan.

Conversion pages

These pages convert metric horsepower to or from another unit in power.

No conversion pages use this unit yet.

Other Power units

• Kilowatt (kW)
• Horsepower (hp)
• Watt (W)
• Megawatt (MW)
• BTU per hour (BTU/h)

Sources

• NIST SP 811 NIST SP 811, App. B (power). Mechanical hp = 550 ft·lbf/s ≈ 745.70 W; metric hp (PS) = 75 kgf·m/s = 735.49875 W · Dataset reviewed Nov 11, 2026