Drivetrain Loss Table: Wheel horsepower by Engine (crank) horsepower
Reference table of wheel horsepower for Drivetrain Loss across a range of engine (crank) horsepower values — exact, engine-computed figures you can read off at a glance.
Drivetrain Loss Calculator
Verified formula Updated Jun 2026 Private — runs on your device
Verified formula
Private
Wheel horsepower
170.0
- Power lost
- 30.0
For general information only — not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Verify before you rely on it.
How to use the Drivetrain Loss Calculator
The Drivetrain Loss Calculator works out your wheel horsepower, along with 1 related figure in an instant. Enter engine (crank) horsepower and drivetrain loss and the result updates as you type — it is free, needs no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser so your figures stay private.
- Enter the engine (crank) horsepower.
- Enter the drivetrain loss.
- Read off your wheel horsepower, together with power lost — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.
Formula
The Drivetrain Loss Calculator uses the formula:
Wheel horsepower = Engine (crank) horsepower × (1 - Drivetrain loss ÷ 100)
Worked example
For example, with engine (crank) horsepower of 200 hp and drivetrain loss of 15%, the wheel horsepower is 170.0.
| Engine (crank) horsepower | 200 hp |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain loss | 15% |
| Wheel horsepower | 170.0 |
|---|---|
| Power lost | 30.0 |
Results are estimates for educational use, not professional advice.
Frequently asked questions
It is the power lost between the engine and the wheels through the transmission, axles and bearings. At 15% loss, 200 crank hp becomes 170 wheel hp.
Typically 10–15% for front- or rear-wheel drive and more for all-wheel drive, due to extra components.
Some engine power is used turning gears and overcoming friction, so less reaches the road than the engine produces.
Chassis dynos measure wheel horsepower, which is why it is lower than the manufacturer's crank figure.
The Drivetrain Loss Calculator uses the formula: Wheel horsepower = Engine (crank) horsepower × (1 - Drivetrain loss ÷ 100). For example, with engine (crank) horsepower of 200 hp and drivetrain loss of 15%, the wheel horsepower is 170.0.
Enter the engine (crank) horsepower. Enter the drivetrain loss. Read off your wheel horsepower, together with power lost — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.
Related guides
How to Calculate Drivetrain Loss: Formula, Steps & Examples
Learn how to calculate Drivetrain Loss — the formula explained step by step, with worked examples and a free calculator to check your answer.