Watt to Metric Horsepower Converter

A watt (W) is the SI unit of power, defined as one joule per second. Named after Scottish inventor James Watt, it represents the rate of energy transfer and is fundamental to all power measurements in the International System of Units.

The watt was named after James Watt in 1882 and became the SI unit of power in 1960. It replaced various earlier power units and provided a unified measure based on the fundamental relationship between energy and time, becoming universal in scientific and technical applications.

Watts are universally used for all power measurements, from small electronic devices to large machinery. They're fundamental in electrical engineering, physics, energy efficiency ratings, and form the basis for all other power unit measurements.

Metric horsepower (PS) is a unit of power equal to 75 kilogram-force meters per second, approximately 735.5 watts. It's the metric equivalent of horsepower, used primarily in European automotive and mechanical applications.

Metric horsepower was developed as a metric alternative to the imperial horsepower unit. It became standard in European automotive and mechanical industries, providing a power unit consistent with metric measurements while maintaining familiarity with the horsepower concept.

Metric horsepower is used in European automotive specifications, mechanical equipment ratings, and industrial machinery. It's standard for European car engine ratings, machinery specifications, and mechanical power systems in metric countries.