Joules to Foot Pounds
Convert joules to foot pounds instantly — one joule is 0.737562 foot pounds.
| Joules | Foot Pounds |
|---|---|
| 1 J | 0.737562 ft·lb |
| 2 J | 1.475124 ft·lb |
| 3 J | 2.212686 ft·lb |
| 5 J | 3.687811 ft·lb |
| 10 J | 7.375621 ft·lb |
| 25 J | 18.439054 ft·lb |
| 50 J | 36.878107 ft·lb |
| 100 J | 73.756215 ft·lb |
How to use
- Enter a value in the Joules field.
- The Foot Pounds figure appears immediately — no button to press.
- Typing in the Foot Pounds field converts back to Joules the same way.
- Use the reference table for the values that come up most often.
Joules to Foot Pounds formula
The factor from joules to foot pounds is 0.737562149.
ft·lb = J × 0.737562149
Why this factor: the joule and the foot-pound are both defined against the joule, so dividing one definition by the other gives 0.737562149 directly. Both definitions are set out in full below.
To go the other way, divide by 0.737562149 — or use the Foot Pounds to Joules converter, which is the same calculation reversed.
Worked example
Given 100 J, multiplying by 0.737562149 yields 73.756215 ft·lb.
100 J × 0.737562149 = 73.756215 ft·lb
The converter above does this for any value you type, in either direction.
What is a joule?
The joule is the SI unit of energy — the work done by one newton acting over one meter.
Definition: Defined as 1 N·m, equivalently one watt-second. Named after James Prescott Joule.
Where it is used: All scientific energy calculations, food energy on European labels, and mechanical work.
What is a foot-pound?
A foot-pound is the work done by one pound-force acting through one foot.
Definition: About 1.3558179 joules.
Where it is used: US mechanical work and torque figures, fastener specifications, and firearm muzzle energy.
Worth knowing: As a torque unit it is properly 'pound-foot' (lbf·ft); as an energy unit it is 'foot-pound'. The numbers coincide but the quantities differ.
Joules vs Foot Pounds
The joule is an SI unit while the foot-pound is a US customary unit. That is why the factor between them is not a round number: the two systems were defined independently and only later tied together by exact agreement.
Frequently asked questions
How many foot pounds are in a joule?
One joule equals 0.737562149 foot pounds.
What is the formula to convert joules to foot pounds?
Multiply the number of joules by 0.737562149. To reverse it, divide by 0.737562149 instead.
How do I convert foot pounds back to joules?
Divide by 0.737562149, which is the same as multiplying by 1.35581795.
How many foot pounds are in 10 joules?
10 J works out to 7.375621 ft·lb.
Is there anything to watch out for with foot pounds?
As a torque unit it is properly 'pound-foot' (lbf·ft); as an energy unit it is 'foot-pound'. The numbers coincide but the quantities differ.
How is the joule defined?
Defined as 1 N·m, equivalently one watt-second. Named after James Prescott Joule.