
The concept of fiscal horsepower, used to calculate certain taxes and fees related to vehicles, may seem complex. However, this conversion is essential for understanding the costs associated with using your car. Fiscal horsepower differs from horsepower, which measures the actual power of the engine.
To illustrate this conversion, let’s take a concrete example. Imagine a car with a power of 150 horsepower. Depending on the regulations and specific formulas of each country, it is possible to determine the corresponding number of fiscal horsepower. This calculation will allow you to anticipate the expenses related to registration and other taxes.
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What is a fiscal horsepower and how to calculate it?
The concept of fiscal horsepower is used to determine the fiscal power of a vehicle. Recorded on the registration document and the certificate of registration, it allows for the calculation of taxes and car insurance. In France, this unit of measurement is essential for understanding the costs associated with using a car.
Calculating fiscal power
The calculation of fiscal power is based on several parameters, including the actual engine power expressed in DIN horsepower and CO2 emissions. Here is a simplified method to perform this conversion:
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- Obtain the power in DIN horsepower of your vehicle.
- Use the conversion formula specific to your country.
- Incorporate CO2 emissions for an accurate calculation.
Let’s take an example: how to convert 90 horsepower into fiscal horsepower? In France, the conversion formula is based on DIN horsepower and CO2 emissions. A car with 90 DIN horsepower and CO2 emissions of 120 g/km will have a calculated fiscal power as follows:
| Power (DIN horsepower) | CO2 Emissions (g/km) | Fiscal Horsepower |
|---|---|---|
| 90 | 120 | 6 |
The fiscal power thus obtained will be recorded on your registration document and will directly influence the CO2 tax and the cost of your car insurance. The WLTP standard, which increases the value of CO2 emissions, also impacts this calculation.

Practical steps to convert your car’s power into fiscal horsepower
1. Gather the necessary data
To convert your vehicle’s power into fiscal horsepower, start by gathering the following information:
- The actual engine power in DIN horsepower.
- The CO2 emissions of your car, expressed in grams per kilometer (g/km).
This information is usually found on the vehicle’s certificate of conformity or on the technical sheet provided by the manufacturer.
2. Use the calculation formula
In France, the formula for calculating fiscal power is as follows:
Fiscal power = (0.00018 P + 1.34 (CO2 / 45))
where P represents the power in DIN horsepower and CO2 the carbon dioxide emissions.
Let’s take an example to illustrate this formula. Suppose you have a car with a power of 90 DIN horsepower and CO2 emissions of 120 g/km. The calculation would be:
Fiscal power = (0.00018 90 + 1.34 (120 / 45))
3. Calculate the fiscal power
Apply the values to the formula:
Fiscal power = (0.00018 90) + (1.34 (120 / 45))
Fiscal power = 0.0162 + 3.576
Fiscal power = 3.5922
Round the result to the nearest whole number. In this example, the fiscal power is 4 fiscal horsepower.
4. Verify and record
Check the result obtained and ensure it matches the official information on your registration document or certificate of registration. This fiscal power will determine the car taxes and insurance amounts for your vehicle.