Converting horsepower to metric horsepower is essential in engineering, automotive applications, and international power comparisons.
This guide provides formulas, conversion tables, and examples to help you convert hp to cv accurately.
HP to CV Converter
Comprehensive Tables of Common hp to cv Values
| Horsepower (hp) | Metric Horsepower (cv) | Horsepower (hp) | Metric Horsepower (cv) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.01387 | 51 | 51.70737 |
| 2 | 2.02774 | 52 | 52.72124 |
| 3 | 3.04161 | 53 | 53.73511 |
| 4 | 4.05548 | 54 | 54.74898 |
| 5 | 5.06935 | 55 | 55.76285 |
| 10 | 10.1387 | 60 | 60.8322 |
| 15 | 15.20805 | 65 | 65.90155 |
| 20 | 20.2774 | 70 | 70.9709 |
| 25 | 25.34675 | 75 | 76.04025 |
| 30 | 30.4161 | 80 | 81.1096 |
Formulas for Converting Horsepower (hp) to Metric Horsepower (cv)
The conversion between horsepower (hp) and metric horsepower (cv) is based on the difference in their definitions and units. The most commonly used formula is:
Where:
- hp = Mechanical horsepower (imperial), commonly used in the United States and UK.
- cv = Metric horsepower (cheval vapeur), used primarily in Europe and some other regions.
To convert from cv to hp, the inverse formula is:
These formulas are derived from the power equivalence where:
- 1 mechanical horsepower (hp) = 745.699872 watts
- 1 metric horsepower (cv) = 735.49875 watts
Thus, the ratio between hp and cv is:
Detailed Explanation of Variables
- Horsepower (hp): A unit of power originally defined by James Watt to compare the output of steam engines with draft horses. It is widely used in the US and UK.
- Metric Horsepower (cv): Also known as “cheval vapeur,” it is a metric unit of power used in Europe and other countries. It is slightly less than mechanical horsepower.
- Watts (W): The SI unit of power, representing one joule per second. Both hp and cv can be converted to watts for precise calculations.
Additional Formulas and Considerations
In some contexts, especially automotive engineering, power may be expressed in other units such as brake horsepower (bhp) or DIN horsepower. While these are closely related, the conversion to cv remains consistent when starting from mechanical hp.
For completeness, the formula to convert watts to cv is:
Similarly, to convert watts to hp:
These formulas allow conversions between any of the three units: hp, cv, and watts.
Real-World Applications of hp to cv Conversion
Case 1: Automotive Engine Power Specification
A European car manufacturer lists engine power in metric horsepower (cv), but an American importer needs the value in mechanical horsepower (hp) for regulatory documentation.
The engine is rated at 150 cv. To convert to hp:
This conversion ensures the importer correctly reports the engine power according to US standards.
Case 2: Industrial Motor Power Rating
An industrial motor is rated at 75 hp. The engineering team in Europe needs to specify the motor power in metric horsepower (cv) for compliance with local standards.
Using the conversion formula:
This value is then used in technical documentation and equipment labeling.
Extended Insights and Practical Tips
When performing hp to cv conversions, it is important to consider the context and the exact definition of horsepower used. For example, brake horsepower (bhp) and shaft horsepower (shp) may differ slightly due to measurement conditions.
In addition, rounding errors can accumulate in large-scale industrial applications, so it is advisable to maintain precision by using at least five decimal places in intermediate calculations.
- Always verify the unit system used in technical specifications.
- Use watts as an intermediary unit for more complex conversions.
- Consider environmental factors such as temperature and altitude, which can affect engine power output but not the unit conversion itself.