The Feet Per Pound Calculator helps determine how many feet of material are contained in each pound of weight. This tool is particularly useful in industries like wire distribution, fabric handling, or piping, where weight-based purchasing needs to be translated into usable lengths.
By inputting the total length and total weight, users can understand the linear density of a material, which makes it easier to plan for transportation, storage, or installation. This tool simplifies planning and budgeting by giving quick access to essential unit conversions.
formula of Feet Per Pound Calculator
Feet Per Pound = Total Length (feet) / Total Weight (pounds)
Where:
- Feet Per Pound = number of feet in each pound of material
- Total Length = overall material length in feet
- Total Weight = total mass of the material in pounds
Rearranged Formulas:
- Total Length = Feet Per Pound × Total Weight
- Total Weight = Total Length / Feet Per Pound
This calculation is unitless beyond the defined feet/pound and helps users convert easily between length and weight for linear materials.
Common Reference Table: Feet Per Pound by Material Type
Material Type | Typical Feet per Pound | Notes |
---|---|---|
Copper Wire (AWG 12) | 20 – 25 ft/lb | Depending on insulation |
Steel Cable (1/4") | 2 – 3 ft/lb | Varies by coating or jacket type |
Nylon Rope (1/2") | 4 – 6 ft/lb | Lightweight synthetic rope |
PVC Tubing (1") | 0.8 – 1.2 ft/lb | Wall thickness affects this ratio |
Cotton Fabric (Light) | 3.5 – 5 ft/lb | Depends on weave and width |
Aluminum Rod (3/8") | 1.5 – 2.5 ft/lb | Alloy and finish influence weight |
This table gives practical values that help users estimate without using the calculator every time.
Example of Feet Per Pound Calculator
Suppose you have a spool of cable that weighs 80 pounds and contains 160 feet of cable.
Step-by-step:
- Feet Per Pound = 160 / 80 = 2 ft/lb
This means that for every pound of this cable, you receive 2 feet of usable length. If a future job requires 500 feet of this cable, you would estimate the weight as:
- Total Weight = 500 / 2 = 250 pounds
The calculator helps predict requirements without physically measuring or weighing each time.
Most Common FAQs
This tool is commonly used in construction, electrical installation, textile manufacturing, plumbing, and packaging—any industry where bulk materials are sold or handled by weight.
No. It can vary depending on the material's density, insulation, moisture content, or external coatings. Always check the material specs if exactness matters.
Yes. Multiply feet per pound by 0.3048 to get meters per pound, then divide by 2.20462 to convert pounds to kilograms. The result will be meters per kilogram.