Convert Foot-Pounds per Second to Mechanical Horsepower
Convert Foot-Pounds per Second (ft⋅lbf/s) to Mechanical Horsepower (hp) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
hp = ft⋅lbf/s × 0.001818181818
About Foot-Pounds per Second
One foot-pound per second (ft·lbf/s) ≈ 1.3558 W - the natural power unit in the foot-pound-second (FPS) system. Since 1 mechanical horsepower = exactly 550 ft·lbf/s, the conversion 1 ft·lbf/s = 1/550 hp is exact. Used in FPS structural and fluid dynamics: beam deflection power, pump and turbine output, and ballistic energy-transfer calculations. 19th-century American industry rated waterwheel output in ft·lbf/s before horsepower standardisation. 1 ft·lbf/s = 1.35582 W.
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 Second (ft⋅lbf/s) | Mechanical Horsepower (hp) |
|---|---|
| 1 ft⋅lbf/s | 0.00181818 hp |
| 2 ft⋅lbf/s | 0.00363636 hp |
| 5 ft⋅lbf/s | 0.00909091 hp |
| 10 ft⋅lbf/s | 0.0181818 hp |
| 25 ft⋅lbf/s | 0.0454545 hp |
| 50 ft⋅lbf/s | 0.0909091 hp |
| 100 ft⋅lbf/s | 0.181818 hp |