Miles per Hour to Feet per Second (mph to ft/s) Converter

Convert mph to ft/s and ft/s to mph instantly.
← Back to Speed Converter

mph to ft/s – Instant Calculator

Miles per Hour (mph)

Feet per Second (ft/s)

Common Conversion Examples

10 mph = 14.6667 ft/s

10 mph = 14.6667 ft/s

30 mph = 44 ft/s

30 mph = 44 ft/s

60 mph = 88 ft/s

60 mph = 88 ft/s

75 mph = 110 ft/s

75 mph = 110 ft/s

mph to ft/s: Definition, History, Uses, and Examples

Definition

Miles per hour (mph) is the standard imperial unit for speed used in everyday life, while feet per second (ft/s) is an imperial unit commonly used in engineering and construction. The mph to ft/s formula is: ft/s = mph × 1.46667. This conversion bridges the gap between everyday speed references and technical engineering calculations.

Origin or History

Miles per hour has been used in English-speaking countries for centuries, while feet per second became popular in engineering and construction due to its practical scale for project planning. The factor 1.46667 comes from the relationship: 1 mile = 5280 feet and 1 hour = 3600 seconds, so 1 mph = 5280/3600 = 1.46667 ft/s.

Current Use

  • Engineering & Construction: project planning, equipment specifications, and safety calculations.
  • Mechanical Systems: pump speeds, conveyor belt velocities, and machinery performance.
  • Fluid Dynamics: pipe flow rates, ventilation systems, and hydraulic calculations.

Examples

mphft/sExample Use
1014.6667Walking speed
3044Urban speed limit
6088Highway speed
75110Rural highway

Also searched

  • mph to ft/s engineering calculator
  • convert driving speed mph to ft/s
  • velocity conversion mph ft/s
  • construction speed mph to ft/s

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert miles per hour to feet per second, step by step?
To convert mph to ft/s, multiply the speed value by 1.46667. For example, 30 mph × 1.46667 = 44 ft/s. This factor is based on the relationship between miles, feet, hours, and seconds.
Why is the conversion factor 1.46667 used for mph to ft/s?
The factor 1.46667 comes from converting miles to feet (1 mile = 5280 feet) and hours to seconds (1 hour = 3600 seconds). So, 1 mph = 5280/3600 = 1.46667 ft/s.
What are some real-world examples where mph to ft/s conversion is important?
This conversion is used in engineering, construction, and safety calculations, such as determining stopping distances for vehicles, conveyor belt speeds, or analyzing sports performance.
How do I use this conversion in engineering or construction projects?
Engineers and construction managers often need to convert vehicle or equipment speeds from mph to ft/s for site planning, safety analysis, or equipment specification. Always use the correct factor for accurate results.
Can I use this calculator for running, driving, or machinery speeds?
Yes! This conversion is useful for athletes, drivers, and anyone needing to compare or analyze speeds in different units, including machinery and industrial equipment.
What are common mistakes when converting mph to ft/s?
A common mistake is dividing instead of multiplying by 1.46667, or confusing mph with km/h. Always check your units and use the correct factor for conversion.
How accurate is the mph to ft/s conversion for technical work?
The conversion is exact for standard definitions. For most technical, engineering, and scientific purposes, multiplying by 1.46667 is fully accurate.
How do I convert feet per second back to miles per hour?
To convert ft/s to mph, divide the value by 1.46667. For example, 44 ft/s ÷ 1.46667 = 30 mph.