What was the total horsepower of the Titanic's engines?

The Titanic’s engines produced a combined total of 46,000 horsepower. That figure came from two large reciprocating steam engines rated at 15,000 horsepower each and a centrally placed Parsons low-pressure steam turbine rated at 16,000 horsepower.

The two reciprocating engines drove Titanic’s port and starboard wing propellers. Steam exhausted from those engines then powered the turbine, which drove the smaller central propeller. This combination gave the ship strong pulling power while reducing the fuel and vibration problems associated with relying on only one engine type.

Titanic’s propulsion system was part of the Olympic-class design developed by Harland and Wolff for the White Star Line. The engines were enormous: each reciprocating engine was about 63 feet long and weighed roughly 720 tonnes.

A common mix-up is the higher figure sometimes quoted for maximum or possible output. Titanic’s standard combined rating was 46,000 horsepower, while some references state that the machinery could reach about 59,000 horsepower at full speed. The quiz answer refers to the normal rated total.