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 of power
Power · example
A little perspective
About twice the power of Laptop in use.
Laptop in use: The electrical power consumed by a laptop computer while in active use.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Human mechanical output
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
A chosen 50 W electrical draw. Workload affects actual consumption.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked power is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 100 W
For comparison, this page uses power. This is labelled example: an explicit comparison model rather than a claim that every example has the same value.
A chosen 100 W sustained mechanical output, not total metabolic power.
The identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Human mechanical output dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 W | Not recorded | example |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible power records, ordered around the selected value.
Sources and method
Want to check the number?
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.