Shaft horsepower

nounStandard termMechanical

The actual mechanical power delivered to a rotating output shaft.

A measurement of power available at the output shaft of an engine, turbine, or motor, after accounting for internal friction and parasitic losses. It is calculated by multiplying the measured torque by the rotational speed. Engineers use this metric rather than indicated power to size transmissions, propellers, and driven machinery accurately.

Heard on the job

The gas turbine is rated for ten thousand shaft horsepower at continuous load.

Also heard as

  • SHP