Foot-Pound Conversion Tool - Convert Foot-Pounds to Any Unit
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Foot-Pound Conversion Table
This comprehensive foot-pound conversion table shows how various units relate to foot-pounds, a common unit of energy and work. Use this reference for quick conversions between foot-pounds and other energy units.
| Conversion | To Unit | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Foot-pounds to joules | Joules | 1.35582 |
| Foot-pounds to kilojoules | Kilojoules | 0.00135582 |
| Foot-pounds to calories | Calories | 0.323832 |
| Foot-pounds to kilocalories | Kilocalories | 0.000323832 |
| Foot-pounds to BTUs | BTUs | 0.00128507 |
| Foot-pounds to electronvolts | Electronvolts | 8.46235e+18 |
| Foot-pounds to newton-meters | Newton-meters | 1.35582 |
| Foot-pounds to ergs | Ergs | 13558179.48 |
| Foot-pounds to therms | Therms | 1.28507e-8 |
| Foot-pounds to tons of TNT | Tons of TNT | 3.23832e-10 |
This foot-pound conversion reference table provides accurate conversion factors for both SI and imperial units. All values are based on internationally recognized standards for maximum precision in scientific and engineering applications.
What is a Foot-Pound?
The foot-pound (symbol: ft·lbf) is a unit of energy and work in the imperial and US customary systems. It is defined as the energy transferred when a force of one pound-force is applied over a linear displacement of one foot. The foot-pound is commonly used in engineering and physics applications in the United States.
Our foot-pound conversion tool helps you easily convert between foot-pounds and other energy units. For example, 1 foot-pound equals approximately 1.35582 joules or 0.323832 calories.
What is the SI Equivalent of Foot-Pound?
The foot-pound is not an SI unit, but it can be converted to SI units. The SI unit for energy is the joule (J), and 1 foot-pound equals approximately 1.35582 joules. This relationship is essential for energy unit conversions:
- 1 ft·lbf = 1.35582 J
- 1 ft·lbf = 0.00135582 kJ
- 1 ft·lbf = 1.35582 N·m (when used as torque)
What are Foot-Pounds Used For?
Foot-pounds are used in various applications, primarily in the United States, where imperial units are still common. They are especially prevalent in engineering, automotive, and mechanical applications:
Mechanical Engineering
Torque measurements for bolts, screws, and rotating machinery. For example, a typical automotive engine might produce 300 ft·lbf of torque.
Construction
Energy calculations for lifting and moving materials. For example, lifting a 100-pound weight by 5 feet requires 500 ft·lbf of energy.
Physics Education
Teaching concepts of work and energy in imperial units. For example, calculating that dropping a 1-pound object from a 10-foot height releases 10 ft·lbf of energy.
Mechanics
Tool specifications and repair procedures. For example, tightening a bolt to 50 ft·lbf with a torque wrench.
Etymology and History
The foot-pound combines two imperial units: the foot (a unit of length) and the pound-force (a unit of force). It emerged in the British Imperial System and was later adopted in the United States as part of their customary units. The unit represents the work done when a force of one pound acts through a distance of one foot in the direction of the force.
The foot-pound has been largely superseded by SI units in scientific contexts, but it remains in use in some engineering applications, particularly in the United States. The conversion from foot-pounds to joules became standardized to ensure compatibility with international scientific measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you convert foot-pounds to joules?
To convert foot-pounds to joules, multiply by 1.35582. For example, 10 ft·lbf = 10 × 1.35582 = 13.5582 J. Our ft·lbf to joules converter provides precise conversions for all your energy calculations.
What is the difference between ft·lbf and lb·ft?
There is no difference - ft·lbf and lb·ft refer to the same unit. Both notations represent foot-pounds, where "lb" stands for pound-force and "ft" for foot. The order of symbols may vary depending on regional preferences or specific contexts, but they represent identical measurements.
Is foot-pound a unit of energy or torque?
The foot-pound can be a unit of both energy/work and torque, depending on context. As energy, it represents the work done by a one-pound force acting through one foot. As torque, it represents a rotational force of one pound applied at a one-foot radius. Both applications use the same unit but measure different physical quantities.
Why use foot-pounds instead of joules?
Foot-pounds are commonly used in the United States in engineering and mechanical applications where imperial units are standard. While joules are the SI unit for energy, foot-pounds remain prevalent in automotive specifications, torque measurements, and construction applications in countries using imperial units.
How accurate is the ft·lbf conversion?
Our foot-pound conversion calculator uses the internationally recognized conversion factor of 1 ft·lbf = 1.3558179483314004 J for maximum accuracy. This precision ensures reliable results for scientific, engineering, and educational applications requiring exact energy measurements.
Can foot-pounds be negative?
Yes, foot-pounds can be negative in certain contexts, particularly when representing work done against a force or energy extraction from a system. For example, when a spring compresses, it does negative work, which might be expressed as negative foot-pounds. Our energy conversion tool correctly handles negative values.
What are common foot-pound values in everyday life?
Common foot-pound measurements include: turning a door knob (5-10 ft·lbf), bicycle pedal force (50-100 ft·lbf), car engine torque (100-500 ft·lbf), and lifting a 10-pound weight by 1 foot (10 ft·lbf). These examples help visualize the practical applications of this energy unit.
Is your foot-pound conversion tool free?
Yes, our foot-pound conversion calculator is completely free to use with no registration required. Whether you need to convert ft·lbf to joules, calories, BTUs, or any other energy unit, our tool provides instant, accurate results for students, engineers, and professionals alike.