Energy Foot Pounds Calculator
Last updated: July 2026 · Free · No sign-up required
Enter values above and click Calculate to see your result instantly.
About the Energy Foot Pounds Calculator
Behind the inputs above sits one rule: Work (ft-lb) = Force (lb) x Distance (ft); 1 ft-lb = 1.35582 J. The tool evaluates it instantly with the values you enter.
If you are new to foot pounds calculator, start with the worked example in the methodology section below — it walks the formula end-to-end with real numbers — then use the quick-reference table for common scenarios.
Quick reference
| Convert foot-pounds | Equals |
|---|---|
| 1 ft·lb | 1.35582 joules |
| 1 ft·lb | 0.001285 BTU |
| 1 joule | 0.73756 ft·lb |
| 1 ft·lb/s | 1.35582 watts |
functions Shows the working, not just the answer
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Below the calculator we link a small set of plain-English explainer pages — "What is a percentage?", "Why does PEMDAS matter?", and so on. They cover the underlying concept in 4–6 short paragraphs. Read those before the calculator if the topic is new, or after if you want the extra context.
Interpretation guide
| Quantity | Formula (US units) |
|---|---|
| Work (energy) | W = force (lb) x distance (ft) |
| Torque | T = force (lb) x lever arm (ft) |
| Power | ft·lb per second or minute |
Formula & methodology
Formula: Work (ft-lb) = Force (lb) x Distance (ft); 1 ft-lb = 1.35582 J
How foot-pounds of energy are calculated
A foot-pound of work is the energy used to move a 1-pound force through 1 foot. Multiply the force by the distance moved in the direction of the force.
Example
Lifting a 50-lb weight 4 feet: W = 50 x 4 = 200 ft·lb. In SI that is 200 x 1.35582 = 271.2 joules.
Note that foot-pound (energy/torque) and pound-foot are dimensionally the same unit but describe different physics — energy when force acts over a distance, torque when force acts on a lever arm. Always confirm which one a spec means.
Frequently asked questions
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