PS

Definition	:	PferdeStärke German Means: HorsePower
Category	:	Academic & Science » Units
Country/Region	:	Worldwide
Popularity	:
Type	:	Initialism

What does PS mean?

HorsePower (HP, German: PferdeStärke, PS) is a unit of measurement of power.
1PS = 0.986HP
PS is defined as the amount of power needed to lift a 75 kg mass one meter vertically in one second, while HP is defined as the amount of power needed to lift a 550 lb mass one foot vertically in one second.

PS and HP have different definitions due to their origins in Germany and England, respectively. PS was defined in the early 19th century based on the power output of a typical horse, while HP was defined in the late 18th century based on the power output of a draft horse at a coal mine. These variations in standards resulted in a small difference between the two units.

Note:
PS and HP are units used to measure the power output of engines. HP is more commonly used in English-speaking countries, while PS is more commonly used in German-speaking countries.