The watt is one joule per second.
Watts to Foot-pounds per second Converter — W to ft-lb/s
Convert Watt (W) to Foot-pound per second (ft-lb/s) using the exact conversion factor (1 watt = 0.7375621493 foot-pound per second). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Watts to Foot-pounds per second converter
Converter
Power Converter
Convert watts, horsepower, refrigeration tons, BTU per hour, and engineering power units.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Mechanical power rate.
Result = input x 1 / 1.355817948.
Power uses the watt as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Watts to Foot-pounds per second
Watt and Foot-pound per second both describe power output, and the conversion is a routine part of comparing an engine or motor's spec sheet across countries that use different power units. Watt is most often used for electrical appliance power ratings worldwide.
Formula
foot-pounds per second = watts × 0.737562149277
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 watt equals 1 base unit, and 1 foot-pound per second equals 1.35581794833 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct watt-to-foot-pound per second factor of 0.737562149277.
Simple example
1 W × 0.7375621493 = 0.7375621493 ft-lb/s
1 watt = 0.7375621493 foot-pounds per second.
Real-world example
100 W × 0.7375621493 = 73.75621493 ft-lb/s
100 watts = 73.75621493 foot-pounds per second.
Conversion table
| Watt (W) | Foot-pound per second (ft-lb/s) |
|---|---|
| 1 W | 0.7375621493 ft-lb/s |
| 10 W | 7.375621493 ft-lb/s |
| 100 W | 73.75621493 ft-lb/s |
| 500 W | 368.7810746 ft-lb/s |
| 1,000 W | 737.5621493 ft-lb/s |
| 5,000 W | 3,687.810746 ft-lb/s |
Reverse conversion: Foot-pound per second to Watt
0.7375621493 ft-lb/s × 1.355817948 = 1 W
0.7375621493 foot-pounds per second = 1 watts.
watts = foot-pounds per second × 1.35581794833
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Foot-pound per second to Watt.
Understanding the Watt
Watt (W) measures power. The watt is the SI derived unit of power: one joule of energy per second. It is classified as a SI derived unit.
Where it's used: Standard scientific and everyday power unit worldwide
Uses of the Watt today
- Electrical appliance power ratings worldwide
- Light bulb brightness-equivalent labeling
- Engine and motor power specifications (alongside horsepower)
History of the Watt
The watt is named after James Watt, whose improvements to the steam engine in the late 18th century were commercially pivotal; ironically, Watt himself used horsepower (a unit he helped popularize) to market his engines. The watt was formally adopted as a unit at the 1889 General Conference on Weights and Measures and became the SI derived unit of power in the 20th century.
Historical origin. Watt was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Foot-pound per second (ft-lb/s)
Mechanical power rate.
Watt — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Coherent derived units — Defines the watt as the SI unit of power.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many foot-pounds per second are in 1 watt?
1 watt equals 0.7375621493 foot-pounds per second, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert watt to foot-pound per second?
Multiply the watt value by 0.7375621493. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert foot-pound per second back to watt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 foot-pound per second equals 1.355817948 watts. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a watt?
Watt (W) measures power. The watt is the SI derived unit of power: one joule of energy per second. It is classified as a SI derived unit.
What is a foot-pound per second?
Foot-pound per second (ft-lb/s) is a unit of power.
Is the watt to foot-pound per second conversion exact?
Yes. Both watt and foot-pound per second are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 0.7375621493 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.
Where is the watt still used today?
Standard scientific and everyday power unit worldwide