hp

Definition	:	horsepower
Category	:	Academic & Science » Units
Country/Region	:	Worldwide
Popularity	:
Type	:	Symbol

What does hp mean?

Horsepower (hp) is a unit of measurement used to quantify the power or work output of an engine, motor, or other mechanical devices.
Horsepower was originally defined in the late 18th century by Scottish engineer James Watt.

Different types of horsepower:
Mechanical horsepower (hp), also known as Imperial Horsepower, is defined as the work done by a force of 550 pounds acting through one foot in one second. This definition originated from the work of James Watt, who compared the power output of steam engines to the work capacity of draft horses. This unit of measurement is widely used in the United Kingdom and in English-speaking countries.
Metric horsepower (PS) or SI Horsepower, is a standardized unit of power used in the International System of Units (SI). Metric horsepower is defined as the work done by a force of 75 kilograms acting through one meter in one second. It is commonly used in Europe and other parts of the world.

Note:
The difference between mechanical horsepower and metric horsepower lies in the units of measurement used in each system. Mechanical horsepower is based on the imperial system, utilizing pounds and feet, while metric horsepower is derived from the metric system, employing kilograms and meters.