Convert Foot-Pounds per Minute to Mechanical Horsepower
Convert Foot-Pounds per Minute (ft⋅lbf/min) to Mechanical Horsepower (hp) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
hp = ft⋅lbf/min × 3.030303030e-5
About Foot-Pounds per Minute
One foot-pound per minute (ft·lbf/min) ≈ 0.02260 W. Its historical importance is large: James Watt rated mill horses at ~33,000 ft·lbf/min sustained output and defined 1 mechanical horsepower as exactly 33,000 ft·lbf/min (= 550 ft·lbf/s). The unit is still used for machine-tool power, hydraulic pump output, and low-speed actuator performance in US customary calculations: torque (ft·lbf) × RPM = power in ft·lbf/min. 1 hp = 33,000 ft·lbf/min.
About Mechanical Horsepower
The mechanical horsepower (hp) is exactly 550 ft·lbf/s ≈ 745.7 W - defined by James Watt by timing mine horses to set a comparable steam engine rating. A typical compact car produces 100-150 hp (75-112 kW); a sports car 300-600 hp; an F1 car ~1,000 hp (745 kW). SAE net horsepower is measured at the flywheel with all accessories fitted. Marine diesel engines, aircraft piston engines, and lawn equipment are still rated in hp. 1 hp = 550 ft·lbf/s = 745.6998715822704 W.
Quick Reference Table
| Foot-Pounds per Minute (ft⋅lbf/min) | Mechanical Horsepower (hp) |
|---|---|
| 1 ft⋅lbf/min | 3.03 × 10-5 hp |
| 2 ft⋅lbf/min | 6.061 × 10-5 hp |
| 5 ft⋅lbf/min | 0.000151515 hp |
| 10 ft⋅lbf/min | 0.00030303 hp |
| 25 ft⋅lbf/min | 0.000757576 hp |
| 50 ft⋅lbf/min | 0.00151515 hp |
| 100 ft⋅lbf/min | 0.0030303 hp |