Inch-Pounds to Foot-Pounds Converter (in-lbs to ft-lbs)
Convert inch-pounds to foot-pounds (in-lbs to ft-lbs). See results in foot-pounds, Newton-meters, and kilogram-centimeters. Includes a quick reference table with common torque specs.
TORQUE IN FOOT-POUNDS
10.00 ft-lbs
NEWTON-METERS
13.56 N·m
KG-CM
138.3 kg·cm
INCH-OUNCES
1,920 in-oz
FORMULA
120 ÷ 12
Inch-Pounds to Foot-Pounds — Quick Reference
| in-lbs | ft-lbs | N·m | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in-lbs | 0.08 ft-lbs | 0.1 N·m | Electronics screw |
| 5 in-lbs | 0.42 ft-lbs | 0.6 N·m | Electronics screw |
| 12 in-lbs | 1.00 ft-lbs | 1.4 N·m | Small bolt |
| 24 in-lbs | 2.00 ft-lbs | 2.7 N·m | Plumbing fitting |
| 36 in-lbs | 3.00 ft-lbs | 4.1 N·m | Plumbing fitting |
| 48 in-lbs | 4.00 ft-lbs | 5.4 N·m | Spark plug |
| 72 in-lbs | 6.00 ft-lbs | 8.1 N·m | Spark plug |
| 96 in-lbs | 8.00 ft-lbs | 10.8 N·m | Scope mount |
| 120 in-lbs | 10.00 ft-lbs | 13.6 N·m | Scope mount |
| 240 in-lbs | 20.00 ft-lbs | 27.1 N·m | Wheel stud (bicycle) |
| 360 in-lbs | 30.00 ft-lbs | 40.7 N·m | Engine bolt |
| 600 in-lbs | 50.00 ft-lbs | 67.8 N·m | Heavy fastener |
How to Convert Inch-Pounds to Foot-Pounds
Since there are 12 inches in 1 foot, divide the torque in inch-pounds by 12:
Example: 120 in-lbs
= 120 ÷ 12 = 10.00 ft-lbs
Example: 360 in-lbs (typical engine bolt)
= 360 ÷ 12 = 30.00 ft-lbs
Example: 24 in-lbs (plumbing fitting)
= 24 ÷ 12 = 2.00 ft-lbs
Torque Unit Comparison
| Unit | Symbol | 1 ft-lb = | Used In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inch-pound | in-lbs | 12 in-lbs | Small fasteners, precision |
| Foot-pound | ft-lbs | 1 ft-lb | Automotive, construction |
| Newton-meter | N·m | 1.3558 N·m | International, metric tools |
| Kilogram-centimeter | kg·cm | 13.825 kg·cm | Some Asian tools |
| Inch-ounce | in-oz | 192 in-oz | Very small electronics |
Inch-Pounds to Foot-Pounds — Conversion Table
| in-lbs | ft-lbs | N·m | Common Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in-lb | 0.083 | 0.11 | Electronics, circuit board |
| 5 in-lbs | 0.417 | 0.56 | Computer case screw |
| 12 in-lbs | 1.000 | 1.36 | Small machine screw |
| 24 in-lbs | 2.000 | 2.71 | Plumbing compression fitting |
| 48 in-lbs | 4.000 | 5.42 | Electrical panel connection |
| 72 in-lbs | 6.000 | 8.13 | Bicycle stem bolt |
| 96 in-lbs | 8.000 | 10.84 | Rifle scope mount |
| 120 in-lbs | 10.000 | 13.56 | Valve cover bolt |
| 180 in-lbs | 15.000 | 20.34 | Thermostat housing |
| 240 in-lbs | 20.000 | 27.12 | Intake manifold bolt |
| 360 in-lbs | 30.000 | 40.67 | Spark plug (aluminum head) |
| 600 in-lbs | 50.000 | 67.79 | Suspension bolt |
Common US Automotive Torque Specs
| Component | in-lbs | ft-lbs | N·m |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plug (aluminum head) | 144–180 | 12–15 | 16–20 |
| Spark plug (iron head) | 300–360 | 25–30 | 34–41 |
| Oil drain plug | 240–360 | 20–30 | 27–41 |
| Valve cover bolt | 72–120 | 6–10 | 8–14 |
| Wheel lug nut (car) | 960–1,200 | 80–100 | 108–136 |
| Wheel lug nut (truck) | 1,560–1,800 | 130–150 | 176–203 |
| Head bolt (typical) | 540–780 | 45–65 | 61–88 |
Always check your vehicle's service manual for exact torque specifications — values vary by manufacturer, model year, and bolt size.
When to Use Inch-Pounds vs. Foot-Pounds
- Use inch-pounds (in-lbs) for: small bolts, precision fasteners, electronics, plumbing fittings, scope mounts, bicycle parts — anything under ~75 ft-lbs (900 in-lbs)
- Use foot-pounds (ft-lbs) for: lug nuts, engine bolts, suspension, structural bolts — larger automotive and construction fasteners
- Rule of thumb: If the torque value would be less than 5 ft-lbs, express it in in-lbs for better precision (e.g., "24 in-lbs" is clearer than "2 ft-lbs")
What Is an Inch-Pound?
An inch-pound (in-lb) is a US unit of torque equal to the force of 1 pound applied at a distance of 1 inch from the pivot point. It provides finer resolution than foot-pounds, making it ideal for small fasteners where over-tightening can strip threads or crack components.
What Is a Foot-Pound?
A foot-pound (ft-lb) is a US unit of torque equal to the force of 1 pound applied at a distance of 1 foot (12 inches) from the pivot point. It is the standard torque unit used in American automotive repair, construction, and manufacturing. Most US torque wrenches display ft-lbs as the primary unit.