BHP to HP Calculator

Convert between Brake Horsepower (BHP), Horsepower (HP), and Wheel Horsepower (WHP) for automotive and engineering applications.

Power Converter

BHP

Conversion Results

300 BHP = 300 HP

Formula: BHP ≈ HP (mechanical horsepower)

Power Measurement Types

  • BHP: Measured at the crankshaft before drivetrain losses
  • WHP: Measured at the wheels after drivetrain losses
  • HP: Generic horsepower measurement (often gross HP)

Drivetrain Efficiency Comparison

Engine BHP FWD (85%) RWD (80%) AWD (75%)
100 BHP 85 WHP 80 WHP 75 WHP
200 BHP 170 WHP 160 WHP 150 WHP
300 BHP 255 WHP 240 WHP 225 WHP
400 BHP 340 WHP 320 WHP 300 WHP
500 BHP 425 WHP 400 WHP 375 WHP

Key Takeaways

  • BHP: Measured at the crankshaft before drivetrain losses
  • WHP: Measured at the wheels after drivetrain losses
  • HP: Generic horsepower measurement (often gross HP)
  • Drivetrain Loss: 15-25% depending on FWD/RWD/AWD

Complete Guide to Horsepower Measurements

The BHP to HP Calculator helps you understand and convert between different horsepower measurements used in the automotive industry. Whether you're shopping for a vehicle, modifying your car, or analyzing dyno results, understanding these power measurements is essential.

The Evolution of Horsepower Measurement

Horsepower has been measured in various ways throughout automotive history, leading to different standards and measurement methods:

Gross Horsepower (Pre-1972)

Measured without accessories, alternator, or exhaust restrictions

Net Horsepower (SAE J1349)

Modern standard with all accessories installed

DIN Horsepower

European standard similar to SAE net

JIS Horsepower

Japanese Industrial Standard

Understanding Drivetrain Power Losses

When power travels from the engine to the wheels, some energy is lost through friction and mechanical inefficiencies in the drivetrain components:

Transmission

2-5% power loss depending on type (manual vs automatic)

Driveshaft

1-2% additional loss in RWD/AWD vehicles

Differential

3-5% power loss through gear friction

Axles/CV Joints

1-3% loss from mechanical friction

How to Use This Calculator

Converting between BHP, HP, and WHP is straightforward:

1 Select your conversion type (BHP→HP, HP→BHP, BHP→WHP, or WHP→BHP)
2 Enter the power value you want to convert
3 For WHP conversions, select your drivetrain type
4 Click "Calculate Power" to see the result with formula

Real-World Applications

Vehicle Shopping

Compare manufacturer BHP claims with real-world dyno WHP figures

Performance Tuning

Calculate expected power gains from modifications

Dyno Testing

Understand the relationship between crank and wheel power

Racing

Calculate power-to-weight ratios and class eligibility

SAE Standards and Industry Compliance

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) maintains standards for power measurement. SAE J1349 is the current standard for net power measurement, ensuring consistent and comparable ratings across manufacturers.