Convert torque between inch-pounds and foot-pounds with support for newton-meters and kilogram-force meters.
Torque is rotational force. It describes how strongly a force tends to rotate an object around a pivot point.
The basic relationship is τ = F × r, where F is force and r is the perpendicular distance from the pivot.
Inch-pounds and foot-pounds are both imperial torque units. They measure the same physical quantity, but use different lever-arm lengths.
Example 1: Convert 120 inch-pounds to foot-pounds
Step 1: Use the formula
Step 2: Substitute the value
Example 2: Convert 10 foot-pounds to inch-pounds
Step 1: Use the reverse formula
Step 2: Substitute the value
| in·lbs | ft·lbs |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.083333 |
| 6 | 0.5 |
| 12 | 1 |
| 24 | 2 |
| 48 | 4 |
| 100 | 8.333333 |
| 120 | 10 |
| 240 | 20 |
| 500 | 41.666667 |
| 1000 | 83.333333 |
The choice depends on scale. Inch-pounds are useful for small, precise torque values, while foot-pounds are more convenient for larger fasteners and machinery.
Some torque wrenches display both scales, but not all tools have the same usable range. Always check your wrench’s scale and capacity.
It can be a serious mistake. Because 1 ft·lb equals 12 in·lbs, using the wrong unit can leave a fastener far too loose or dangerously over-tightened.
Use inch-pounds for lower-torque applications such as bicycles, electronics, instruments, and other precision fasteners.
Yes. The relationship between inches and feet is exact, so 1 ft·lb always equals exactly 12 in·lbs.
Those are common secondary torque units used in metric specifications, manuals, and technical documents.
Related Tools
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