How to Convert Engine Horsepower to CC

CC, or cubic centimeters, is a measurement of volume or size. Engine horsepower is a measurement of power output at certain rotation frequencies. Rotation frequencies are measured in revolutions per minute, or rpm. Engine horsepower cannot be directly converted to cc because horsepower is measured at rpm levels that cubic centimeters do not account for. While no specific formula for the conversion of engine horsepower to cc exists, on average 1 horsepower equals 16 cc.

1. Determine your engine’s peak horsepower

Determine your engine’s peak horsepower. An engine’s peak horsepower is typically measured at a certain rpm level.

2. Drop the rpm figure from the horsepower figure

Drop the rpm figure from the horsepower figure. For example, if your engine achieves 150 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, drop 6,000 and use 150 for your calculation.

3. Use a calculator to multiply your engine’s horsepower by 16

Use a calculator to multiply your engine’s horsepower by 16. For example, if your engine has 150 horsepower, multiply 150 x 16 = 2,400 cc. This figure represents your engine’s horsepower in cubic centimeters.

Tip

The number you obtain from this conversion is a measurement of your engine’s volume or size at its peak output.