CC to HP Converter and Estimator
Estimate the horsepower of any engine based on its displacement (CC). Includes advanced modes for Turbocharged, Diesel, and high-performance motorcycle engines.
Engine Power Calculator
Industry standard approximation
Enter engine value above and click "Calculate" to see results
Power Level Indicator
No conversion yetImportant Disclaimer
These calculations provide estimates only. Actual horsepower depends on numerous factors including engine design, compression ratio, fuel system, ignition timing, exhaust system, and tuning. For precise measurements, professional dyno testing is required.
Popular CC to HP Conversions
Quick reference table showing common engine displacement values and their estimated horsepower output using the basic formula (CC ÷ 15):
| Engine Displacement (CC) | Estimated HP (Basic) | HP Range (±15%) | Common Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 CC | 3.3 HP | 2.8 - 3.8 HP | Moped, Small Scooter |
| 100 CC | 6.7 HP | 5.7 - 7.7 HP | Scooter, Small Motorcycle |
| 150 CC | 10.0 HP | 8.5 - 11.5 HP | Commuter Motorcycle |
| 250 CC | 16.7 HP | 14.2 - 19.2 HP | Small Motorcycle, Dirt Bike |
| 500 CC | 33.3 HP | 28.3 - 38.3 HP | Mid-Size Motorcycle |
| 750 CC | 50.0 HP | 42.5 - 57.5 HP | Cruiser Motorcycle |
| 1000 CC (1.0L) | 66.7 HP | 56.7 - 76.7 HP | Sport Bike, Small Car |
| 1500 CC (1.5L) | 100.0 HP | 85.0 - 115.0 HP | Compact Car |
| 2000 CC (2.0L) | 133.3 HP | 113.3 - 153.3 HP | Sedan, Mid-Size Car |
| 2500 CC (2.5L) | 166.7 HP | 141.7 - 191.7 HP | Mid-Size SUV |
| 3000 CC (3.0L) | 200.0 HP | 170.0 - 230.0 HP | Large Sedan, SUV |
| 3500 CC (3.5L) | 233.3 HP | 198.3 - 268.3 HP | Large SUV, Pickup |
| 4000 CC (4.0L) | 266.7 HP | 226.7 - 306.7 HP | Truck, Performance Car |
| 5000 CC (5.0L) | 333.3 HP | 283.3 - 383.3 HP | Muscle Car, V8 Engine |
| 6000 CC (6.0L) | 400.0 HP | 340.0 - 460.0 HP | Heavy Duty Truck, Sports Car |
| 6700 CC (6.7L) | 446.7 HP | 379.7 - 513.7 HP | Diesel Truck (e.g. Cummins) |
Note: These values use the basic formula (CC ÷ 15). Actual horsepower varies based on engine type, design, and tuning. Use the calculator above to select different conversion methods for more accurate estimates based on your specific engine type.
Understanding Engine Displacement and Horsepower
Engine displacement, measured in cubic centimeters (CC), represents the total volume of all cylinders in an engine. It's a fundamental specification that helps determine an engine's power potential, fuel consumption, and overall performance characteristics.
What is Engine Displacement (CC)?
Cubic centimeters (CC) measure the swept volume of an engine's cylinders. When a piston moves from top dead center to bottom dead center, it displaces a certain volume of air-fuel mixture. The total displacement is the sum of all cylinders' volumes. For example, a 2000cc (2.0L) four-cylinder engine has approximately 500cc per cylinder.
What is Horsepower (HP)?
Horsepower is a unit of power that measures an engine's work output. One horsepower equals approximately 746 watts or 33,000 foot-pounds per minute. It was originally defined by James Watt to compare steam engine output to the power of draft horses. Today, it remains the standard measurement for engine power in most of the world.
The Relationship Between CC and HP
While larger displacement generally means more power potential, the relationship isn't directly proportional. A 2000cc naturally aspirated engine might produce 130-140 HP, while a 2000cc turbocharged engine could generate 250-300 HP or more. The conversion depends on several factors:
- Engine Type: Naturally aspirated, turbocharged, or supercharged configurations have different power outputs
- Compression Ratio: Higher compression ratios extract more energy from fuel
- Fuel System: Direct injection vs. port injection affects efficiency
- Valve Timing: Variable valve timing optimizes power across RPM ranges
- Exhaust Design: Better exhaust flow reduces backpressure and increases power
- Engine Tuning: ECU programming can significantly impact power output
Common Conversion Formulas
Industry professionals use various rules of thumb for estimating horsepower from displacement:
- Basic Formula (CC ÷ 15): Provides conservative estimates suitable for most standard engines
- Performance Formula (CC ÷ 12): Better for high-performance or well-tuned engines
- Motorcycle Formula (CC ÷ 20): Accounts for motorcycle engines' different characteristics
- Conservative Formula (CC ÷ 17): More conservative for older or less efficient engines
Why Can't We Be More Precise?
Engine displacement is just one factor in power production. Two engines with identical displacement can have vastly different power outputs due to design differences. For example, a Formula 1 engine with 1600cc produces over 1000 HP, while a typical 1600cc economy car engine makes around 110-120 HP. The F1 engine achieves this through exotic materials, extreme RPM capability, advanced forced induction, and precise engineering—factors impossible to capture in a simple formula.
Practical Applications
Understanding CC to HP conversion is useful for:
- Comparing vehicles when horsepower specifications aren't readily available
- Estimating power output for vintage or obscure engines
- Understanding relative performance differences between engine sizes
- Making informed decisions when shopping for motorcycles, cars, or other powered vehicles
- Planning engine swaps or modifications
💡 Professional Tip: When accuracy matters—such as for racing, performance tuning, or vehicle certification—always rely on dynamometer testing rather than calculated estimates. A "dyno" measures actual wheel horsepower and torque under controlled conditions, providing precise, real-world data.
Conversion Formulas
Naturally Aspirated
HP = CC × 0.6
Typical for standard gasoline engines
Turbocharged
HP = CC × 1.0
Forced induction engines
High-Performance
HP = CC × 1.3
Racing and modified engines
Motorcycle
HP = CC × 0.8
Two-wheeler engines
Diesel
HP = CC × 0.5
Compression ignition engines
How to Use the CC to HP Converter
Enter Engine Value
Input the engine displacement in CC or horsepower value.
Select Unit & Type
Choose CC or HP input, and select your engine type.
Get Estimate
See the estimated conversion with range and formula used.
The Engine Power Paradox
There is no perfect conversion between CC (Cubic Centimeters) and HP (Horsepower). CC measures volume (how much air/fuel fits in the engine), while HP measures force (how much work the engine allows you to do).
Think of it like an athlete's lung capacity vs. how fast they can run. A clear correlation exists, but training (tuning) and genetics (engine design) matter more. Our calculator uses industry-standard ratios to give you the most accurate estimate possible.
The Commuter
Standard Sedans & Economy Cars
~0.6 - 0.8 HP per CC. Designed for longevity and fuel efficiency rather than raw power.
The Forced Induction
Turbo & Supercharged
~1.0 - 2.0+ HP per CC. By forcing more air in, a small 2.0L engine can rival a 5.0L V8.
The Screamer
Sport Motorcycles (600cc+)
~1.5 - 2.2 HP per CC. Ultra-high RPMs allow these small engines to make massive power.
The Workhorse
Lawn Mowers & Generators
~0.3 - 0.5 HP per CC. Simple designs meant for reliability and steady speeds.
The Torque Monster
Diesel Trucks
Low HP per CC (~0.5), but massive torque. Don't let the low HP fool you; they can pull houses.
Why Two 2000cc Engines Differ
Case Study: 2.0L vs 2.0L
Engine A: Economy Sedan
- No Turbo
- Low RPM Limit (6,000)
- Tuned for MPG
- Result: 147 HP
Engine B: Hot Hatch
- Large Turbocharger
- Direct Injection
- High RPM flow
- Result: 315 HP
Standard Reference Table
Typical values for common engines found in the US market.
| Vehicle Type | Engine Size | Typical HP |
|---|---|---|
| Weed Eater / Chainsaw | 25cc - 50cc | 1 - 3 HP |
| Gokart / Pressure Washer | 212cc (6.5HP) | 5 - 7 HP |
| Budget Compact Car | 1.6L (1600cc) | 120 HP |
| Full Size Pickup (V8) | 5.3L (5300cc) | 355 HP |
Common Questions
How many cc is 1 HP?
Standard rule of thumb: 14 to 17 cc = 1 HP for a normal car engine. For a high-performance engine, it can be as low as 6-10 cc per HP.
Why do turbo engines make more HP with less CC?
An engine is an air pump. A turbocharger forces pressurized air into the cylinder, effectively shoving "more displacement's worth" of air into a small space. This allows a small engine to burn fuel like a big one.
What is a 5.0L in cc?
1 Liter = 1000 Cubic Centimeters (cc). So a 5.0L Mustang engine is 5000cc. A 2.4L engine is 2400cc.