Inch-pounds to foot-pounds (in-lb to ft-lb) torque converter
What are inch-pounds and foot-pounds?
Inch-pounds (in-lb)
An inch-pound (in-lb) is a customary unit of torque in the imperial and United States systems. It represents the turning effect produced when a one-pound force acts at a perpendicular distance of one inch from the axis of rotation. Inch-pounds are favored for delicate work, such as electronics, small fasteners, and precision instruments, where larger units would be too coarse to specify the value accurately.
Foot-pounds (ft-lb)
A foot-pound (ft-lb) is a larger customary unit of torque, equal to a one-pound force applied at a perpendicular distance of one foot from the pivot. Because one foot contains twelve inches, one foot-pound equals exactly twelve inch-pounds. Foot-pounds dominate automotive specifications in the United States, where engine torque and bolt-tightening values are routinely quoted in this unit.
How does the calculator work?
This converter links the two torque units together. Enter a value in either field and the other updates instantly. The tool tracks which field you changed last and converts from it to the other, so both stay consistent in either direction.
The conversion uses an exact factor. One foot-pound is exactly twelve inch-pounds, so to go from inch-pounds to foot-pounds you divide by twelve, and to go the other way you multiply by twelve.
Inch-pounds and foot-pounds conversion formulas
To convert inch-pounds to foot-pounds, divide by 12:
To convert foot-pounds back to inch-pounds, multiply by the exact factor 12:
Conversion table
The table below summarizes how the two torque units relate to each other.
| Torque unit | Inch-pounds (in-lb) | Foot-pounds (ft-lb) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Inch-pound | 1 | 0.0833333 |
| 1 Foot-pound | 12 | 1 |
For other force and pressure conversions, use the pressure unit converter.
Examples
The following examples reuse the same numbers as the calculator’s test fixtures.
Example 1: Convert 12 in-lb to foot-pounds
Starting from twelve inch-pounds:
So 12 in-lb is exactly 1 ft-lb.
Example 2: Convert 30 in-lb to foot-pounds
For a value typical of small-fastener work:
Thus 30 in-lb equals 2.5 ft-lb.
Example 3: Convert 5 ft-lb to inch-pounds
Working in the other direction:
So 5 ft-lb is exactly 60 in-lb.
Practical applications
Torque conversion between inch-pounds and foot-pounds matters most in mechanical work. Service manuals and torque-wrench specifications mix the two units depending on the size of the fastener, so converting prevents over- or under-tightening critical components.
In manufacturing and assembly, inch-pounds come into play for small screws and electronics, where the right torque protects delicate parts. Foot-pounds, by contrast, suit larger fasteners on engines and chassis. Being able to move between the two keeps tooling and instructions aligned.
Technicians comparing equipment specifications rely on this conversion to evaluate fastener requirements on a common basis, avoiding mistakes that could compromise safety or performance.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert inch-pounds to foot-pounds?
Divide the inch-pound value by 12. For example, 120 in-lb ÷ 12 = 10 ft-lb.
How many inch-pounds are in a foot-pound?
Exactly twelve. One foot-pound equals 12 inch-pounds because a foot contains twelve inches.
How do I convert foot-pounds to inch-pounds?
Multiply the foot-pound value by 12. For example, 5 ft-lb × 12 = 60 in-lb.
Why is the conversion factor exactly 12?
Because both units are based on the same one-pound force, and a foot is defined as exactly twelve inches. The only difference is the length of the lever arm, so the ratio between the two torque units is exactly 12.
When should I use inch-pounds instead of foot-pounds?
Use inch-pounds for low-torque tasks such as small fasteners, electronics, and precision instruments, where foot-pounds would be too large to specify the value accurately.