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Related Velocity / Speed Units
Meters per Second (m/s)
SI derived unit for speed - used in physics and engineering
Kilometers per Hour (km/h)
Metric system unit - commonly used on road signs
Miles per Hour (mph)
Imperial unit - used for vehicle speeds in the US and UK
Knot (kt)
Nautical unit - used in aviation and maritime navigation
Feet per Second Conversion Table
This comprehensive feet per second conversion table shows how various units relate to feet per second, a common unit of speed in the imperial system. Use this reference for quick conversions between feet per second and other common velocity units.
| Conversion | To Unit | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Feet per second to meters per second | Meters per Second | 0.3048 |
| Feet per second to kilometers per hour | Kilometers per Hour | 1.09728 |
| Feet per second to miles per hour | Miles per Hour | 0.681818 |
| Feet per second to knots | Knots | 0.592484 |
| Feet per second to mach | Mach | 0.000888889 |
| Feet per second to speed of light | Speed of Light | 1.0167e-9 |
This feet per second conversion reference table provides accurate conversion factors for both metric (SI) units and other imperial units. All values are based on internationally recognized standards for maximum precision in scientific and engineering applications.
What is Feet per Second?
Feet per second (symbol: ft/s) is a unit of speed and velocity in the imperial and US customary systems. It measures the distance traveled in feet divided by the time in seconds. One foot per second is equivalent to 0.3048 meters per second or approximately 0.6818 miles per hour.
This unit is commonly used in physics and engineering applications in countries that use the imperial system. Our feet per second conversion tool helps you easily convert between ft/s and other velocity units like meters per second and miles per hour.
What is the Definition of Feet per Second?
Feet per second is defined as the speed of an object that travels one foot in one second. It is a derived unit in the imperial and US customary systems for measuring speed and velocity. The unit is commonly abbreviated as ft/s, ft/sec, or fps. In scientific contexts, it may also be written as ft s-1.
Although not an SI unit, feet per second can be converted to the SI unit of velocity (meters per second) using the conversion factor: 1 ft/s = 0.3048 m/s. This makes it possible to integrate measurements in feet per second with the metric system.
What are Feet per Second Used For?
Feet per second is used in various applications, particularly in engineering and physics contexts in countries that use the imperial system:
Engineering Applications
Measuring the velocity of moving parts in machinery, fluid flow rates in pipes, and ventilation system air speeds. For example, a typical HVAC system might move air at 500 to 1500 feet per minute (8.3 to 25 ft/s).
Physics Education
Teaching velocity and acceleration concepts in introductory physics courses in the US. Students often calculate the speed of falling objects, which near Earth's surface accelerate at approximately 32 ft/s².
Ballistics
Describing the muzzle velocity of firearms and the speed of projectiles. For instance, a typical rifle bullet might have a muzzle velocity of 2,500 to 4,000 ft/s.
Construction
Calculating material handling speeds on conveyor belts and the velocity of construction equipment. For example, a conveyor belt might move materials at 3 to 10 ft/s.
Etymology and History
The foot as a unit of measurement has ancient origins, with various definitions across different cultures. The modern foot, defined as exactly 0.3048 meters since 1959, is divided into 12 inches. The second as a unit of time has its origins in ancient Babylonian sexagesimal (base-60) system.
Feet per second as a unit of velocity emerged with the development of classical mechanics in the 17th and 18th centuries. As physics and engineering advanced, standardized units became essential for accurate calculations and communication. The combination of the foot and second provided a convenient unit for measuring moderate velocities in the imperial system, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is feet per second used instead of other velocity units?
Feet per second is used primarily in countries that follow the imperial system, such as the United States. It's particularly common in engineering and physics applications where feet are the standard unit for length. For example, when calculating the speed of a falling object in a physics problem, using ft/s maintains consistency with other measurements in feet.
How accurate is the feet per second definition?
The definition of feet per second is highly accurate since both the foot and second have precise definitions. The foot is defined as exactly 0.3048 meters, and the second is defined based on the frequency of a cesium atomic clock. This makes conversions between ft/s and metric units extremely precise, with the conversion factor 1 ft/s = 0.3048 m/s being exact.
What's the difference between speed and velocity in ft/s?
In physics, speed is a scalar quantity (magnitude only) while velocity is a vector quantity (magnitude and direction). When we say "5 ft/s," we're typically referring to speed. When we say "5 ft/s north," we're specifying velocity. In everyday usage, however, the terms are often used interchangeably.
How do I convert feet per second to other units?
Use our feet per second conversion calculators above, or multiply by the appropriate conversion factor. For example, to convert ft/s to mph, multiply by 0.681818; to convert ft/s to m/s, multiply by 0.3048. For detailed instructions on converting ft/s to mph, visit our ft/s to mph converter.
What are common uses for feet per second conversion?
Feet per second conversion is essential in engineering (calculating fluid flow rates), physics education (teaching kinematics), ballistics (measuring projectile speeds), and construction (determining conveyor belt speeds). Whether calculating the velocity of a falling object or converting firearm muzzle velocities, our ft/s converter tool simplifies these tasks.
How does feet per second compare to other velocity units?
Feet per second is a moderate unit of velocity. For context: 1 ft/s equals approximately 0.68 mph, 1.097 km/h, or 0.3048 m/s. This makes it particularly useful for measuring speeds that are too slow for mph but too fast for inches per second, such as human walking speeds (3-4 ft/s) or moderate fluid flows.
Can I convert very high speeds to feet per second?
Yes, our feet per second converter handles both very low and very high speeds with precision. For extremely high speeds like those of aircraft or spacecraft, you might prefer units like mph or km/h for readability, but ft/s conversions are mathematically valid. For example, the speed of sound is approximately 1,125 ft/s at sea level.
Is your feet per second conversion tool free to use?
Yes, our feet per second conversion calculator is completely free with no registration required. Simply enter your value, select your target unit, and get instant, accurate results. We believe precise measurement conversion should be accessible to everyone, from students learning physics to professionals working on engineering projects.