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Power-to-Weight Ratio Calculator

Work out your car's power-to-weight ratio in W/kg, hp per ton and hp per 1000 lb, with a performance-class read-out.

About this tool

Power-to-Weight Ratio Calculator is a free, in-browser tool that turns an engine's power and a vehicle's weight into the single number enthusiasts use to compare acceleration potential across very different cars. Enter power in horsepower or kilowatts and weight in pounds or kilograms; everything is computed locally as you type and nothing is uploaded.

Power is first converted to watts (1 hp = 745.7 W, 1 kW = 1000 W) and weight to kilograms (1 lb = 0.453592 kg). The headline figure is W/kg = watts ÷ kilograms. From the same inputs it also derives hp per US ton (hp × 2000 ÷ pounds), hp per 1000 lb (hp × 1000 ÷ pounds) and kW per tonne — which is numerically identical to W/kg — so you can quote whichever convention your region prefers.

Because it strips out units, the ratio lets you line up a light hatchback against a heavy muscle car fairly. The tool also prints a rough performance class band, from economy commuter up to hypercar, based on the W/kg result — a quick sanity check, not a lap-time prediction.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good power-to-weight ratio?
Roughly: under 60 W/kg is an economy commuter, 100-150 W/kg is a warm hatch, 150-230 W/kg is a genuine sports car, and above 360 W/kg is hypercar territory. The tool prints the band your inputs fall into. Numbers assume curb weight, not weight with driver and fuel.
Why are W/kg and kW per tonne the same number?
Because a tonne is 1000 kg and a kilowatt is 1000 W, the two thousands cancel: kW/tonne = (W/1000)/(kg/1000) = W/kg. Both are shown so you can match whichever unit a spec sheet or forum uses.
Should I use crank power or wheel power?
Either works — just be consistent when comparing cars. Manufacturer figures are usually crank (flywheel) power; dyno figures are usually at the wheels and read 10-15% lower. Use the same basis for both vehicles to keep the comparison fair.
Is my data sent anywhere?
No. The conversion and ratio are calculated entirely in your browser; the power and weight you enter never leave your device.

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