Q&A ยท 12:43-13:07

Indicated and brake horsepower measure different points

Indicated horsepower describes output within the engine, while brake horsepower measures the power delivered to its shaft.

Question

What is the difference between indicated horsepower and brake horsepower?

Short answer

Indicated horsepower refers to theoretical engine output, while brake horsepower measures power delivered at the shaft.

Notes

Indicated horsepower describes the power developed within an engine, while brake horsepower is associated with usable output measured at the shaft. The distinction matters when comparing machinery claims with the power that actually drives a ship.