How many foot-pounds per minute equal one horsepower?

Exactly 33,000 ft·lbf/min equals 1 mechanical horsepower. This definition was introduced by James Watt to compare steam engine output to draft-horse work capacity.

What is the formula for this conversion?

hp = ft·lbf/min ÷ 33,000. To go the other way: ft·lbf/min = hp × 33,000.

Is this mechanical horsepower or metric horsepower?

This tool uses mechanical (imperial) horsepower (1 hp = 33,000 ft·lbf/min = 550 ft·lbf/s ≈ 745.7 W). Metric horsepower (PS) is slightly different at 735.5 W.

What is a foot-pound per minute?

A foot-pound per minute (ft·lbf/min) is a unit of power equal to the energy of one foot-pound of work done in one minute. It is equivalent to approximately 0.0226 watts.

Can I convert negative values?

Physically, power is non-negative, but the converter will handle any numeric input you enter, including negatives, for mathematical completeness.

Foot Pounds per Minute to Horsepower Converter

Name: Foot Pounds per Minute to Horsepower Converter
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Convert power in foot-pounds per minute to mechanical horsepower instantly.

Enter Value

Foot-Pounds per Minute (ft·lbf/min)

Formula

hp = ft·lbf/min ÷ 33,000

1 mechanical hp = 33,000 ft·lbf/min (exact)

Result

Enter a value and press Convert

Quick Reference

ft·lbf/min	Horsepower (hp)	Common reference
3,300	0.1	Small hand tool
16,500	0.5	Lawn mower
33,000	1	Definition baseline (James Watt)
165,000	5	Small outboard motor
330,000	10	Compact car engine (idle)
3,300,000	100	Economy car peak power
16,500,000	500	Sports car

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Summary

Convert power in foot-pounds per minute to mechanical horsepower instantly.

How it works

Enter the power value in foot-pounds per minute in the input field.
The converter divides your value by 33,000 to get mechanical horsepower.
The result appears instantly with the conversion formula shown below.
Use the swap button to reverse the conversion (hp → ft·lbf/min).
Click Copy to copy the result to your clipboard.

Use cases

Converting engine or motor output specs between unit systems.
Cross-checking mechanical power readings from legacy instruments.
Homework and exam problems in physics and engineering courses.
Verifying pump or compressor datasheets that mix unit conventions.
Equipment comparison when specs are listed in different power units.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-23 · Reviewed by Nham Vu