Torque from one pound-force at one inch.
Pound-inches to Pound-feet Converter — lb in to lb ft
Convert Pound-inch (lb in) to Pound-foot (lb ft) using the exact conversion factor (1 pound-inch = 0.0833333333 pound-foot). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Pound-inches to Pound-feet converter
Converter
Torque Converter
Convert newton meters, pound-feet, pound-inches, ounce-inches, and kilogram-force meters.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Torque from one pound-force at one foot.
Result = input x 0.112984829 / 1.355817948.
Torque uses the newton meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Pound-inches to Pound-feet
Pound-inch and Pound-foot both measure torque, and the conversion is essential for anyone using a torque wrench specified in one unit against a bolt or engine spec given in the other. Specifically: Torque from one pound-force at one inch, and torque from one pound-force at one foot.
Formula
pound-feet = pound-inches × 0.0833333333333
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 pound-inch equals 0.112984829028 base units, and 1 pound-foot equals 1.35581794833 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct pound-inch-to-pound-foot factor of 0.0833333333333.
Simple example
1 lb in × 0.08333333333 = 0.0833333333 lb ft
1 pound-inch = 0.0833333333 pound-feet.
Real-world example
10 lb in × 0.08333333333 = 0.8333333333 lb ft
10 pound-inches = 0.8333333333 pound-feet.
Conversion table
| Pound-inch (lb in) | Pound-foot (lb ft) |
|---|---|
| 1 lb in | 0.0833333333 lb ft |
| 5 lb in | 0.4166666667 lb ft |
| 10 lb in | 0.8333333333 lb ft |
| 50 lb in | 4.166666667 lb ft |
| 100 lb in | 8.333333333 lb ft |
| 500 lb in | 41.66666667 lb ft |
Reverse conversion: Pound-foot to Pound-inch
0.0833333333 lb ft × 12 = 0.9999999996 lb in
0.0833333333 pound-feet = 0.9999999996 pound-inches.
pound-inches = pound-feet × 12
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Pound-foot to Pound-inch.
Understanding the Pound-inch (lb in)
Torque from one pound-force at one inch.
Understanding the Pound-foot
Pound-foot (lb ft) measures torque. A pound-foot is the torque from one pound-force applied at one foot of leverage: exactly 1.3558179483314004 newton-meters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
Where it's used: United States (automotive and mechanical torque specifications)
Pound-foot vs. foot-pound. Pound-foot (torque) and foot-pound (energy/work) use the same two units but measure physically different quantities; US convention typically orders them differently to help distinguish which is meant, though usage isn't always consistent.
Uses of the Pound-foot today
- US torque wrench specifications (bolt tightening)
- US automotive engine torque specifications
- US mechanical and construction trades
History of the Pound-foot
The pound-foot follows from pound-force and the foot, both standardized through English and later international agreements, remaining the standard US automotive and mechanical torque unit even as most other measurements shifted toward metric in engineering contexts.
Historical origin. Pound-foot was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Pound-foot — sources
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Documents the pound-foot's exact newton-meter equivalence.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many pound-feet are in 1 pound-inch?
1 pound-inch equals 0.0833333333 pound-feet, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert pound-inch to pound-foot?
Multiply the pound-inch value by 0.08333333333. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert pound-foot back to pound-inch?
Use the reverse factor: 1 pound-foot equals 12 pound-inches. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a pound-inch?
Pound-inch (lb in) is a unit of torque.
What is a pound-foot?
Pound-foot (lb ft) measures torque. A pound-foot is the torque from one pound-force applied at one foot of leverage: exactly 1.3558179483314004 newton-meters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
Is the pound-inch to pound-foot conversion exact?
Yes. A pound-foot is the torque from one pound-force applied at one foot of leverage: exactly 1.3558179483314004 newton-meters. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.
What is the difference between pound-foot vs. foot-pound?
Pound-foot (torque) and foot-pound (energy/work) use the same two units but measure physically different quantities; US convention typically orders them differently to help distinguish which is meant, though usage isn't always consistent.