Human mechanical output
100 W - Power; example.
The sustained rate at which a person can perform mechanical work, such as cycling or lifting.
A chosen 100 W sustained mechanical output, not total metabolic power.
Defined examples — our methodologyHuman mechanical output vs Car engine: power comparison
The power of a car engine is about 1,000 times human mechanical output. Selected basis: an example for Human mechanical output; an example for Car engine; approximate values.
- Human mechanical output
- Power
- Car engine
- Power
ENERGY EACH SECOND
Human mechanical output
100 WPower
0
Too small to see at this scale; the bar has not been widened.
Car engine
100 kWPower
0
Power is energy per unit time: one watt is one joule per second.
In perspective1,000 times
Measurements, assumptions & sources
Car engine
100 kW - Power; example.
The mechanical power output delivered by a car engine to propel the vehicle.
A chosen 100 kW rated mechanical output, not constant fuel consumption.
Defined examples — our methodology
Compare something else
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
PowerHuman mechanical output100 WThe sustained rate at which a person can perform mechanical work, such as cycling or lifting.
PowerCar engine100 kWThe mechanical power output delivered by a car engine to propel the vehicle.
PowerLED bulb9 WThe electrical power drawn by a light-emitting diode lamp used for illumination.
PowerElectric kettle3 kWThe electrical power used by an electric kettle to heat water.
PowerWind turbine5 MWThe rated electrical power output of a wind-driven generator.
SpaceSun1,391,000 kmThe Sun is the star at the centre of the Solar System.Side by side
Another point of view.
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scaleGot a good eye for scale?