Human mechanical output
The sustained rate at which a person can perform mechanical work, such as cycling or lifting.
How big is it?
100 W · power
Power · example
A little perspective
Human mechanical output vs Laptop in use: power comparison
Human mechanical output is about 2 times the power of a laptop in use.
ENERGY EACH SECOND
The sustained rate at which a person can perform mechanical work, such as cycling or lifting.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Human mechanical output
Power: 100 W; example.
A chosen 100 W sustained mechanical output, not total metabolic power.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked power is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Laptop in use
Power: 50 W; example.
A chosen 50 W electrical draw. Workload affects actual consumption.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked power is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 100 W
We compare human mechanical output. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same.
A chosen 100 W sustained mechanical output, not total metabolic power.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 W | Not recorded | example |
Around this scale
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Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Sources and method
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The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
More ways to see it
Curated comparisons
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
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.
PowerLaptop in use50 WThe electrical power consumed by a laptop computer while in active use.
PowerMicrowave input1.2 kWThe electrical power supplied to a microwave oven for heating food.
PowerSmartphone active electrical draw3 WSmartphone active electrical draw is the electrical power consumed by a smartphone during active use, including display, processing and wireless communication.
PowerCar engine100 kWThe mechanical power output delivered by a car engine to propel the vehicle.