CC to HP Converter
Convert Cubic Centimeters (CC) to Horsepower (HP) and vice versa. Choose your engine profile for accurate power estimations across small engines, dirt bikes, motorcycles, and passenger cars.
Calculated using standard 16 cc/hp ratio
CC to HP Conversion Chart
Use this reference table to compare estimated horsepower across different engine configurations for common displacements:
| Displacement (CC) | 4-Stroke Utility (~16 cc/hp) | 2-Stroke Engine (~11 cc/hp) | Street Motorcycle (~12.5 cc/hp) | High Performance (~8 cc/hp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 cc (0.05L) | 3.1 hp | 4.5 hp | 4.0 hp | 6.3 hp |
| 110 cc (0.11L) | 6.9 hp | 10.0 hp | 8.8 hp | 13.8 hp |
| 125 cc (0.13L) | 7.8 hp | 11.4 hp | 10.0 hp | 15.6 hp |
| 150 cc (0.15L) | 9.4 hp | 13.6 hp | 12.0 hp | 18.8 hp |
| 200 cc (0.20L) | 12.5 hp | 18.2 hp | 16.0 hp | 25.0 hp |
| 212 cc (0.21L) | 13.3 hp | 19.3 hp | 17.0 hp | 26.5 hp |
| 250 cc (0.25L) | 15.6 hp | 22.7 hp | 20.0 hp | 31.3 hp |
| 350 cc (0.35L) | 21.9 hp | 31.8 hp | 28.0 hp | 43.8 hp |
| 450 cc (0.45L) | 28.1 hp | 40.9 hp | 36.0 hp | 56.3 hp |
| 500 cc (0.50L) | 31.3 hp | 45.5 hp | 40.0 hp | 62.5 hp |
| 600 cc (0.60L) | 37.5 hp | 54.5 hp | 48.0 hp | 75.0 hp |
| 750 cc (0.75L) | 46.9 hp | 68.2 hp | 60.0 hp | 93.8 hp |
| 1000 cc (1.00L) | 62.5 hp | 90.9 hp | 80.0 hp | 125.0 hp |
| 1500 cc (1.50L) | 93.8 hp | 136.4 hp | 120.0 hp | 187.5 hp |
| 2000 cc (2.00L) | 125.0 hp | 181.8 hp | 160.0 hp | 250.0 hp |
Mechanical Dyno Lab: Horsepower from Torque & RPM
Calculate exact Brake Horsepower (BHP), Kilowatts (kW), and Wheel Horsepower (WHP) using the fundamental engineering formula: HP = (Torque × RPM) / 5252.
Real-World Engine Classes & Horsepower Benchmarks
Displacement vs real-world horsepower across popular vehicle categories:
Governors restrict these engines to 3,600 RPM for long-life utility use (generators, lawn mowers, tillers):
- 79cc OHV: ~2.5 to 3.0 HP
- 212cc Predator / Honda GX200: ~6.5 to 7.0 HP
- 390cc - 420cc: ~13.0 to 15.0 HP
- 725cc V-Twin Tractor: ~22.0 to 26.0 HP
Motorcycle engines achieve high specific output due to higher RPM limits (8,000 to 16,000 RPM):
- 50cc Moped / Scooter: ~3.0 to 4.5 HP
- 125cc 2-Stroke Motocross: ~34 to 38 HP
- 450cc 4-Stroke Dirt Bike: ~50 to 58 HP
- 600cc Supersport (15,000 RPM): ~115 to 125 HP
- 1000cc Superbike (S1000RR / R1): ~200 to 215 HP
Modern direct injection and forced induction (turbos) dramatically boost HP per liter of displacement:
- 1.5L Turbo 4-Cyl (1500cc): ~150 to 200 HP
- 2.0L Turbo 4-Cyl (2000cc): ~250 to 320 HP
- 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 (3000cc): ~380 to 500 HP
- 5.0L V8 Naturally Aspirated: ~450 to 480 HP
- 6.2L Supercharged V8 (Hellcat): ~707 to 800+ HP
BHP (Brake HP) vs WHP (Wheel HP) & Drivetrain Losses
Manufacturers advertise Brake Horsepower (BHP) measured directly at the engine flywheel or crankshaft. However, when power travels through the transmission, driveshaft, differential, and axles to the tires, friction causes unavoidable parasitic drivetrain loss:
Because CC measures volume (engine displacement in cubic centimeters) and Horsepower measures the rate of work/power output, there is no single universal mathematical constant.
However, automotive and mechanical engineers use empirical conversion ratios based on engine architecture:
For example, a standard 212cc small engine on a go-kart or generator produces roughly:
212 ÷ 16 ≈ 13.25 Horsepower (or ~6.5 to 7.0 HP when detuned for low-RPM continuous work).
The actual horsepower generated by any given displacement volume depends on several critical engine engineering variables:
- Engine RPM Ceiling: Higher revving engines (e.g. 14,000 RPM sportbikes) produce vastly more peak HP than 3,600 RPM lawnmower engines of the same size.
- Combustion Cycles (2-Stroke vs 4-Stroke): 2-stroke engines fire every revolution, delivering more power per displacement unit.
- Aspiration & Boost: Turbocharging or supercharging packs dense air into cylinders, effectively doubling power output.
- Compression Ratio & Valve Timing: High-compression racing heads maximize thermal efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about engine displacement and horsepower conversion.
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