Enter the mass in grains and the bullet speed into the calculator to determine the Foot Pounds of Energy. 

Foot Pounds of Energy Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Foot Pounds of Energy.

E = M(g) * BS^2 / 450,437
  • Where E is the Foot Pounds of Energy (foot-pounds)
  • M is the mass in grains (grains)
  • BS is the bullet speed (ft/min)

To calculate foot pounds of energy, multiply the mass in grains by the velocity squared in ft/min, then divide by 450,437.

What are the units for Foot Pounds of Energy?

The most common units for Foot Pounds of Energy are foot-pounds.

How to Calculate Foot Pounds of Energy?

Example Problem:

The following example problem outlines the steps and information needed to calculate the Foot Pounds of Energy.

First, determine the mass in grains. In this example, the mass in grains is determined to be 6 (grains).

Next, determine the bullet speed. For this problem, the bullet speed is measured to be 1200 (ft/min).

Finally, calculate the Foot Pounds of Energy using the formula above: 

E = M(g) * BS^2 / 450,437

Inserting the values from above and solving the equation with the imputed values gives: E = 6 *1200^2 / 450,437 = 19.18 (foot-pounds)