How To Calculate The Horsepower Of A Compressor

Horsepower (hp) measures the amount of mechanical energy a device uses to complete a task. An air compressor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to move air or liquid particles. Typically electrical power is measured in watts which equals a single joule of energy consumed every second. A single unit of horsepower is equivalent to 745.8 watts. A watt meter allows you to calculate the horsepower of a compressor by first finding its power in watts.

Step 1

Turn on the watt meter.

Step 2

Plug the compressor into the watt meter. Note the number of watts of power the device draws. For example, the power might be 1500.0 watts.

Step 3

Convert the power to horsepower by dividing by 745.8. In our sample exercise, 1500.0 watts divided by 745.8 watts equals 2.0 horsepower.