Total Foot-Pounds
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Equivalent energy value
Accurate energy conversion tool for joules, foot-pounds, Newton-metres, and more
Convert joules to foot-pounds instantly with precise calculations. Includes bidirectional conversion and detailed breakdowns for all energy units in 2026.
Professional energy conversion for engineering, mechanics, and construction
Convert joules to foot-pounds with full precision using the exact conversion factor: 1 joule = 0.737562 foot-pounds. Our tool is built on internationally recognised standards, delivering reliable results for mechanical engineering, torque calculations, and impact energy assessments.
Switch seamlessly between joules to foot-pounds and foot-pounds to joules conversion modes. Get instant results across multiple energy units including Newton-metres, kilojoules, BTU, and calorie values — all from a single input.
Essential for mechanical engineers, automotive technicians, construction professionals, and firearms specialists. Use this tool for torque wrench settings, bullet kinetic energy, engine output calculations, and any imperial-to-metric energy conversion need.
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The joule (J) is the SI unit of energy and work, defined as the energy transferred when a force of one newton acts through a displacement of one metre. The foot-pound (ft·lb) is the imperial unit of energy and torque, defined as the energy transferred when a force of one pound-force acts through a displacement of one foot. The exact conversion factor is 1 joule = 0.737562 foot-pounds, which means one foot-pound equals exactly 1.355818 joules.
This conversion is widely used in mechanical engineering, automotive workshops, construction, and ballistics. For example, engine torque specifications are often given in both Newton-metres (N·m) and foot-pounds (ft·lb), and firearm muzzle energy is commonly expressed in foot-pounds in the United States. Understanding this conversion ensures accuracy when working across metric and imperial unit systems. For official SI unit definitions, refer to the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM).
All values shown are equivalent to 100 joules of energy
The reference table below shows common joule values converted to foot-pounds, Newton-metres, kilojoules, and BTU for quick on-site or workshop use.
| Joules (J) | Foot-Pounds (ft·lb) | Newton-Metres (N·m) | Kilojoules (kJ) | BTU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 J | 0.7376 ft·lb | 1.000 N·m | 0.001 kJ | 0.000948 BTU |
| 5 J | 3.688 ft·lb | 5.000 N·m | 0.005 kJ | 0.004741 BTU |
| 10 J | 7.376 ft·lb | 10.00 N·m | 0.010 kJ | 0.009478 BTU |
| 25 J | 18.44 ft·lb | 25.00 N·m | 0.025 kJ | 0.02370 BTU |
| 50 J | 36.88 ft·lb | 50.00 N·m | 0.050 kJ | 0.04739 BTU |
| 100 J | 73.76 ft·lb | 100.0 N·m | 0.100 kJ | 0.09478 BTU |
| 250 J | 184.4 ft·lb | 250.0 N·m | 0.250 kJ | 0.2370 BTU |
| 500 J | 368.8 ft·lb | 500.0 N·m | 0.500 kJ | 0.4739 BTU |
| 1,000 J | 737.6 ft·lb | 1,000 N·m | 1.000 kJ | 0.9478 BTU |
| 5,000 J | 3,688 ft·lb | 5,000 N·m | 5.000 kJ | 4.739 BTU |
| 10,000 J | 7,376 ft·lb | 10,000 N·m | 10.00 kJ | 9.478 BTU |
The foot-pound is also used as a unit of torque in the imperial system, where it describes a rotational force rather than linear energy. A torque of 1 ft·lb means a force of 1 pound applied at a 1-foot lever arm. In the metric system, the equivalent torque unit is the Newton-metre (N·m), and since 1 J = 1 N·m, the numerical conversion to ft·lb is identical for both energy and torque.
You can convert joules to foot-pounds quickly by hand using the steps below. This is useful in the field when a calculator is not available:
1 J = 0.737562 ft·lb | 1 ft·lb = 1.355818 J | 1 J = 1 N·m | 1 kJ = 737.562 ft·lb | 1 BTU = 778.16 ft·lb
One foot-pound (ft·lb) is the energy transferred when a force of one pound-force (lbf) is applied over a displacement of one foot. It is part of the imperial and US customary systems. One foot-pound equals exactly 1.355818 joules by international definition.
Foot-pounds and Newton-metres are used for both energy and torque. Although numerically equivalent (1 J = 1 N·m), energy and torque are physically different quantities. Always confirm whether a specification refers to torque (rotational) or linear energy before converting units to avoid costly errors.
Engine torque output is commonly specified in both ft·lb and N·m in automotive manuals. A typical car engine producing 300 N·m of torque delivers 221.3 ft·lb. Torque wrench settings in workshops must be converted accurately — over-tightening due to unit errors can damage components.
Muzzle energy of firearms in the United States is traditionally expressed in foot-pounds. A standard .308 rifle round generates approximately 3,500 ft·lb (4,745 J) of muzzle energy. This makes the joule-to-foot-pound conversion essential for comparing ammunition performance across regions.
Impact energy in construction equipment — such as breakers, hammers, and pile drivers — is often quoted in joules in Europe and foot-pounds in the US. A demolition hammer rated at 68 J delivers approximately 50 ft·lb per blow, making this conversion critical for equipment selection on international projects.
The joule is the globally accepted SI unit of energy, used in all scientific, engineering, and commercial contexts in the UK, EU, and Australia. The foot-pound remains dominant in the United States for mechanical and ballistic applications. Accurate conversion between the two systems is essential for cross-border engineering projects.
Be careful not to confuse foot-pounds (ft·lb) with inch-pounds (in·lb). One foot-pound equals 12 inch-pounds. Some torque specifications — especially for smaller fasteners — are given in inch-pounds. Converting incorrectly can result in under- or over-tightening. Always confirm the unit before applying any torque value.
The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) defines the joule as the official SI unit of energy, ensuring consistent and accurate measurements across all scientific and engineering disciplines worldwide.
Visit BIPM →The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides authoritative reference data for unit conversions including foot-pounds to joules, essential for US and international engineering compliance.
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