Inch-Pounds to Foot-Pounds Converter

Inch-pounds and foot-pounds are imperial torque units used to describe rotational force. Torque combines force with the perpendicular distance from a pivot. One inch-pound represents one pound-force applied through a one-inch lever arm, while one foot-pound represents the same force through a one-foot lever arm. Since one foot contains exactly twelve inches, one foot-pound equals exactly twelve inch-pounds. To convert inch-pounds to foot-pounds, divide by 12. To convert foot-pounds to inch-pounds, multiply by 12. For example, 120 in-lb equals 10 ft-lb, and 7.5 ft-lb equals 90 in-lb. Unlike many conversions between imperial and metric systems, this relationship produces simple exact results because both units use the same force unit and their lever lengths have an exact whole-number ratio. Mechanics commonly encounter both units on torque wrenches and in service documentation. Inch-pounds are convenient for smaller fasteners and lower settings, such as covers, electrical equipment, bicycle parts, and delicate assemblies. Foot-pounds are more common for larger automotive, structural, and machinery fasteners. Converting the specification rather than estimating it helps avoid under-tightening, which may permit movement or leakage, and over-tightening, which can stretch bolts or damage threads. Unit labels deserve careful attention. Torque may be written in-lb, lb-in, ft-lb, or lb-ft depending on the publisher. In a torque context these paired forms identify force and lever-arm length, but a bare abbreviation can be misunderstood. Confirm that the source is a torque specification rather than a work or energy value. Also distinguish inch-pounds from inch-ounces and foot-pounds from newton-meters, because each requires a different factor. For actual assembly, use a torque wrench with a suitable range and resolution. A very low setting converted to foot-pounds may fall below the reliable range of a large wrench, so retaining inch-pounds may be safer and easier. Follow the equipment manufacturer's tightening sequence, thread preparation, lubrication assumptions, and tolerance. The converter provides the exact unit relationship, while the final setting should be rounded only as much as the source specification and tool scale require.