Velocity Conversion to Feet per Minute Calculator
Convert velocity measurements to feet per minute (ft/min) with precision
Velocity Converter
Input Values
Conversion Result
Speed Visualization
About Velocity in Feet per Minute
Feet per minute (ft/min) is a unit of speed or velocity in both US Customary Units and the Imperial System. It measures the number of feet traveled in one minute. The symbol for feet per minute is ft/min or FPM.
Conversion Formulas to Feet per Minute
| From Unit | Conversion Formula |
|---|---|
| Miles per hour (mph) | ft/min = mph × 88 |
| Kilometers per hour (km/h) | ft/min = km/h × 54.68 |
| Meters per second (m/s) | ft/min = m/s × 196.85 |
| Feet per second (ft/s) | ft/min = ft/s × 60 |
| Knots | ft/min = knots × 101.27 |
| RPM (1 ft diameter) | ft/min = RPM × π |
Common Applications
Feet per minute (FPM) is commonly used in:
- Manufacturing: Conveyor belt speeds in production lines are often measured in FPM
- Ventilation: Air flow velocity in HVAC systems
- Machining: Feed rates for cutting tools
- Aviation: Vertical speed indication (climb or descent rate)
- Elevators: The speed at which elevators travel
RPM to Feet per Minute
When converting from rotational motion (RPM) to linear velocity (ft/min), the diameter of the rotating object matters. The formula is:
FPM = RPM × Diameter × π
Where:
- FPM is the linear velocity in feet per minute
- RPM is the rotational speed in revolutions per minute
- Diameter is the diameter of the wheel or rotor in feet
- π (Pi) is approximately 3.14159
Common Velocity Equivalents
| Speed Description | ft/min | mph |
|---|---|---|
| Average walking speed | 264 ft/min | 3 mph |
| Average running speed | 704 ft/min | 8 mph |
| Typical city driving | 2,640 ft/min | 30 mph |
| Highway driving | 5,280 ft/min | 60 mph |
| Commercial aircraft cruising | 44,000 ft/min | 500 mph |
| Speed of sound at sea level | 67,584 ft/min | 768 mph |
Practical Examples
Example 1: Vehicle Speed
Convert a vehicle’s speed of 45 mph to feet per minute.
Solution:
ft/min = mph × 88
ft/min = 45 × 88
ft/min = 3,960 feet per minute
Example 2: Conveyor Belt
A motor operates at 120 RPM driving a conveyor with a 2-foot diameter roller. Calculate the belt speed in feet per minute.
Solution:
ft/min = RPM × Diameter × π
ft/min = 120 × 2 × 3.14159
ft/min = 753.98 feet per minute
Example 3: Air Flow
Convert an air flow velocity of 5 meters per second to feet per minute for HVAC calculations.
Solution:
ft/min = m/s × 196.85
ft/min = 5 × 196.85
ft/min = 984.25 feet per minute
Example 4: Aircraft Descent
An aircraft is descending at a rate of 10 feet per second. Convert this to feet per minute for the vertical speed indicator.
Solution:
ft/min = ft/s × 60
ft/min = 10 × 60
ft/min = 600 feet per minute
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between FPM and CFM?
FPM (feet per minute) measures linear velocity – how fast something is moving in a straight line. CFM (cubic feet per minute) measures volumetric flow rate – the volume of fluid passing through a specific area per minute. To convert FPM to CFM, you multiply the FPM by the cross-sectional area (in square feet).
How do I convert FPM to RPM for a rotating object?
To convert from feet per minute (FPM) to revolutions per minute (RPM) for a rotating object with a known diameter:
RPM = FPM ÷ (π × Diameter)
Where the diameter is measured in feet.
Why are feet per minute used instead of feet per second in some industries?
Feet per minute is often preferred in industrial applications like manufacturing, HVAC, and machining because it provides numbers in a more convenient range for typical operating speeds. It’s easier to work with whole numbers like 500 ft/min rather than 8.33 ft/sec in practical settings.
How accurate is the FPM conversion from mph?
The conversion from mph to FPM (multiply by 88) is accurate for practical purposes. Precisely, 1 mph = 88 feet per minute because there are 5,280 feet in a mile and 60 minutes in an hour, so 5,280 ÷ 60 = 88.
Related Physics & Engineering Calculators
Free online physics and engineering calculators to convert and calculate distance, velocity, force, pressure, work, and other physical quantities in foot-based units.
Distance Traveled in Feet per Second
Calculate distance based on velocity in feet per second and elapsed time.
Velocity Conversion to Feet per Minute
Convert velocity measurements to feet per minute from other common units.
Acceleration in Feet per Second Squared
Calculate and convert acceleration values in ft/s² and other units.
Force in Pounds per Square Foot
Calculate force distribution across an area measured in pounds per square foot.
Pressure in Pounds per Square Foot
Convert and calculate pressure values in pounds per square foot (psf).
Work Done in Foot-Pounds
Calculate mechanical work in the foot-pound unit based on force and distance.
Torque in Foot Pounds
Calculate rotational force in foot-pounds for mechanical applications.
Height of a Projectile in Feet
Calculate maximum height and trajectory of a projectile measured in feet.
Flow Rate in Cubic Feet per Second
Calculate and convert fluid flow rates in cubic feet per second (CFS).
Heat Transfer Area in Square Feet
Calculate heat exchange surface area requirements in square feet.