1. What is Pounds Per Horsepower (PPH)?

Definition: PPH measures the weight-to-power ratio, indicating how many pounds of weight each horsepower must move.

Purpose: It's a key metric in automotive and mechanical engineering to evaluate vehicle performance and efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( PPH \) — Pounds per horsepower (lbs/hp)
• \( Weight \) — Total weight in pounds (lbs)
• \( HP \) — Engine horsepower (hp)

Explanation: The weight is divided by horsepower to determine how much weight each unit of horsepower must move.

3. Importance of PPH Calculation

Details: Lower PPH values indicate better performance potential. This metric helps compare vehicles and predict acceleration capabilities.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total weight in pounds and the engine horsepower. Both values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a good PPH value?
A: For performance cars, 6-10 lbs/hp is excellent. Economy cars typically range 15-20 lbs/hp.

Q2: Does PPH affect fuel efficiency?
A: Indirectly - vehicles with lower PPH often have more powerful engines that may consume more fuel.

Q3: Should I use curb weight or gross weight?
A: For performance comparisons, use curb weight (empty vehicle weight). For practical applications, use gross weight including passengers/cargo.

Q4: How does PPH relate to power-to-weight ratio?
A: PPH is the inverse of power-to-weight ratio (hp/lb). Both measure similar performance characteristics.

Q5: Can I use this for electric vehicles?
A: Yes, the calculation works the same way for EVs using their motor horsepower rating.