Convert Mechanical Horsepower to Foot-Pounds per Second
Convert Mechanical Horsepower (hp) to Foot-Pounds per Second (ft⋅lbf/s) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
ft⋅lbf/s = hp × 550
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.
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.
Quick Reference Table
| Mechanical Horsepower (hp) | Foot-Pounds per Second (ft⋅lbf/s) |
|---|---|
| 1 hp | 550 ft⋅lbf/s |
| 2 hp | 1100 ft⋅lbf/s |
| 5 hp | 2750 ft⋅lbf/s |
| 10 hp | 5500 ft⋅lbf/s |
| 25 hp | 13750 ft⋅lbf/s |
| 50 hp | 27500 ft⋅lbf/s |
| 100 hp | 55000 ft⋅lbf/s |