# Inch Pounds to Foot Pounds Calculator

Convert inch-pounds to foot-pounds and back. Simple torque conversion with newton-meter equivalents for automotive, engineering, and DIY projects.

## What this calculates

Convert torque between inch-pounds (in-lbs) and foot-pounds (ft-lbs) instantly. The relationship is simple: 1 foot-pound equals 12 inch-pounds. This calculator also provides the newton-meter equivalent for metric reference.

## Inputs

- **Value** — min 0 — Enter the torque value to convert.
- **Convert** — options: Inch-Pounds → Foot-Pounds, Foot-Pounds → Inch-Pounds

## Outputs

- **Foot-Pounds** (ft-lbs) — Torque in foot-pounds.
- **Inch-Pounds** (in-lbs) — Torque in inch-pounds.
- **Newton-Meters** (N·m) — Torque in newton-meters.
- **Conversion** — formatted as text — The conversion breakdown.

## Details

Inch-pounds and foot-pounds are both US customary torque units. Since there are 12 inches in a foot, the conversion is a simple multiply or divide by 12.

**The Formula:**

- Foot-pounds = Inch-pounds / 12
- Inch-pounds = Foot-pounds x 12
- 1 in-lb = 0.1130 N·m
- 1 ft-lb = 1.3558 N·m

**When to Use Each Unit:**

- **Inch-pounds** are used for small fasteners: electronics screws, carburetors, small engine bolts, bicycle components, and firearms assembly.
- **Foot-pounds** are used for larger fasteners: wheel lug nuts, engine head bolts, suspension components, and structural connections.

**Common Torque Specs in Inch-Pounds:**

| Application | Torque (in-lbs) | Torque (ft-lbs) |
|-------------|----------------|----------------|
| Small machine screws | 5-10 | 0.42-0.83 |
| Scope rings (firearm) | 15-25 | 1.25-2.08 |
| Carburetor bolts | 20-35 | 1.67-2.92 |
| Bicycle stem bolts | 48-60 | 4.0-5.0 |
| Spark plugs (small engine) | 120-180 | 10-15 |
| Valve cover bolts | 72-108 | 6-9 |

**Pro tip:** Always verify the unit on your torque wrench before tightening. Many click-type wrenches switch between in-lbs and ft-lbs with a toggle.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How many inch-pounds are in a foot-pound?**

A: There are exactly 12 inch-pounds in 1 foot-pound. This is because there are 12 inches in a foot, and torque is force multiplied by distance.

**Q: How do I convert inch-pounds to foot-pounds?**

A: Divide the inch-pound value by 12. For example, 96 in-lbs / 12 = 8 ft-lbs. To go the other way, multiply foot-pounds by 12.

**Q: When should I use inch-pounds instead of foot-pounds?**

A: Use inch-pounds for small fasteners where foot-pound values would be awkwardly small decimals. For example, a bolt spec of 0.42 ft-lbs is easier to read and measure as 5 in-lbs. Most torque wrenches designed for small work are calibrated in inch-pounds.

**Q: How do inch-pounds relate to newton-meters?**

A: One inch-pound equals approximately 0.1130 newton-meters. One foot-pound equals approximately 1.3558 newton-meters. European and Asian manufacturers typically spec torque in N·m, so you may need both conversions when working on imported equipment.

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Source: https://vastcalc.com/calculators/conversion/inch-pounds-to-foot-pounds
Category: Conversion
Last updated: 2026-04-08