How Much Horsepower Does a Horse Have?

“Horsepower” is Actually Misleading

You would think that “horsepower” refers to the power output of a single horse. However, it’s not as you’d expect.

You see, horses, like all animals, have varying power outputs. How much power they have depends on their current energy. A tired horse would probably be unable to produce anywhere close to a single horsepower.

On the other hand, believe it or not, horses are capable of producing more than one horsepower. During short bursts, horses can produce more than one horsepower. In fact, they are capable of producing as much as 15 horsepower!

So are you can see, the term “horsepower” can be misleading. While some define horsepower as the average power output of a horse, the real answer is far more complicated. And as you’ll see later, “horsepower” itself has a complicated history.

“Horsepower” Was Originally a Marketing Ploy

Machinery nuts and automobile fans have to thank one James Watt for inventing the term “horsepower”. Watt was a Scottish inventor who helped perfect the steam engine. He did not actually invent it, but he created a very practical one. Watt’s work eventually led to the Industrial Revolution. Our world today would probably be very different if it were not for Watt.

Where does “horsepower” fall into Watt’s life? When Watt’s steam engine was still new, he wanted to promote its abilities. At the time, people were skeptical about steam engines and how they could improve lives. Watt’s idea was to promote the idea that the steam engine could produce more power than horses.