Enter the total feet per second (FPS) and the mass (grams) into the Calculator. The calculator will evaluate the Joules from FPS. 

FPS to Joules Calculator

Enter any 2 values to calculate the missing variable

Joules from FPS Formula

J = (FPS/3.2808399)^2 * .5 * m/1000

Variables:

  • J is the Joules from FPS (joules)
  • FPS is the total feet per second (FPS)
  • m is the mass (grams)
Feet per Second to Joules Conversion Table (Projectile mass = 0.20 g)
Velocity (ft/s) Energy (J)
2000.372
2200.450
2400.535
2500.581
2600.628
2800.728
3000.836
3200.951
3301.012
3401.074
3501.138
3601.204
3801.342
4001.486
4201.639
4501.881
4802.140
5002.323
5502.810
6003.345
* Rounded to 3 decimals. Uses KE = 0.5 × m × v² with v = FPS × 0.3048 m/s and m = 0.20 g (0.00020 kg).

How to Calculate Joules from FPS?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Joules from FPS.


  1. First, determine the total feet per second (FPS). 
  2. Next, determine the mass (grams). 
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = J = (FPS/3.2808399)^2 * .5 * m/1000.
  4. Finally, calculate the Joules from FPS.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

total feet per second (FPS) = 4000

mass (grams) = 30

FAQs

What is Joules in terms of energy?

Joules is a unit of energy in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as the amount of work done when a force of one newton is applied over a distance of one meter. In the context of projectiles or ballistics, it measures the kinetic energy of the object.

Why is it important to calculate Joules from FPS?

Calculating Joules from FPS (feet per second) is crucial in fields such as ballistics and physics to understand the kinetic energy of a projectile. This calculation helps in assessing the potential impact or damage a projectile can cause based on its speed and mass.

Can the formula provided be used for any type of projectile?

Yes, the formula to calculate Joules from FPS can be applied to any projectile as long as you know its speed in feet per second (FPS) and its mass in grams. This includes bullets, arrows, and any other objects considered projectiles.

How does changing the mass (grams) of the projectile affect the Joules calculated?

Increasing the mass of the projectile while keeping the speed (FPS) constant will result in a higher value of Joules, indicating more kinetic energy. Conversely, decreasing the mass will result in lower Joules, indicating less kinetic energy. This is because the kinetic energy (measured in Joules) is directly proportional to the mass of the object.