Inch-Pounds to Foot-Pounds Converter

How to use this inch-pounds to foot-pounds calculator

What this calculator does. This tool converts a torque value between inch-pounds and foot-pounds. It is useful when a specification, torque wrench, repair manual, drawing, or worksheet uses one unit while your source value uses the other. The conversion is an exact unit identity: one foot contains twelve inches, so one foot-pound equals twelve inch-pounds. The calculator does not decide the correct torque for a fastener or machine; always follow the manufacturer's specification and the applicable procedure.

When to use it. Typical uses include translating a small-fastener specification from in-lb to ft-lb, checking whether two maintenance documents express the same torque, converting a torque-wrench setting, and preparing engineering or classroom calculations. NASA's explanation of torque as force acting through a perpendicular distance provides useful physical context.

How to calculate. The calculator opens with a ready-to-use demonstration: 24 in-lb equals 2 ft-lb, and the Excel workbook is immediately available. Follow these steps:

1. Replace the value in Inch-pounds to convert from in-lb to ft-lb, or edit Foot-pounds to convert in the opposite direction.
2. Read the large Converted foot-pounds result and the two matching unit cards.
3. Review the formula line and quick conversion table for scaled comparisons.
4. Select Download Excel to save the current validated inputs and results as a real XLSX workbook.
5. Select Reset to clear both inputs and results. Reset also disables export until a complete valid value is entered again.

Input guide. Inch-pounds is a required decimal torque value measured in pound-force inches, shown as in-lb. It accepts ordinary decimal notation and correctly placed comma grouping, such as 1,200 or 24.5. A realistic example is 24. Higher positive values produce proportionally higher foot-pound results; negative values are accepted for signed torque or rotational direction. Do not enter unit letters, decimal commas such as 1,5, or scientific notation. Foot-pounds is the same torque expressed in pound-force feet, shown as ft-lb. It accepts the same formats and restrictions. A realistic example is 2. Editing either field makes that field the source and updates the other one; a common mistake is typing two unrelated values and expecting the calculator to reconcile them.

Output guide. Converted foot-pounds is the primary converted value in ft-lb. Inch-pounds and Foot-pounds repeat the canonical pair so both units remain visible. Conversion factor shows whether the active operation divides by 12 or multiplies by 12. The formula line presents the exact arithmetic. The quick conversion table shows 0.5×, 1×, 2×, and 10× the current torque, with columns for Reference multiple, Inch-pounds (in-lb), and Foot-pounds (ft-lb). These are exact conversions, subject only to display rounding.

Worked example. The startup value is 24 in-lb. Divide by 12 because twelve inch-pounds make one foot-pound: 24 ÷ 12 = 2 ft-lb. The first result card therefore shows 2 ft-lb, the paired card shows 24 in-lb, and the table's 2× row shows 48 in-lb and 4 ft-lb. Entering 7.5 ft-lb in the second field reverses the operation: 7.5 × 12 = 90 in-lb.

Learn more. NIST publishes authoritative conversion factors for torque and moment-of-force units. For broader unit-writing and conversion practice, consult the NIST Guide for the Use of the International System of Units.