Convert between different moment of inertia units with our free online calculator. Perfect for engineering, physics, and mechanical design applications.
Common moment of inertia conversions
| From | To | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Kilogram-Square-Meter (kg·m²) | 237.3000 Pound-Square-Foot (lb·ft²) | Industrial machinery |
| 50 Pound-Square-Foot (lb·ft²) | 2.1100 Kilogram-Square-Meter (kg·m²) | Vehicle component |
| 0.001 Kilogram-Square-Meter (kg·m²) | 100.0000 Gram-Square-Centimeter (g·cm²) | Small rotating part |
| 5000 Gram-Square-Centimeter (g·cm²) | 1.1900 Pound-Square-Foot (lb·ft²) | Laboratory equipment |
Engineers calculate moment of inertia to design motors, turbines, and other rotating equipment with appropriate power requirements and dynamic response.
Automotive engineers use moment of inertia calculations for wheels, driveshafts, and engine components to optimize acceleration, fuel efficiency, and handling.
Civil engineers consider moment of inertia in analyzing how buildings and bridges respond to dynamic loads like earthquakes and wind.
Robot designers calculate moment of inertia for arms and joints to determine motor requirements and control algorithms for precise movement.
Moment of inertia, also known as rotational inertia, is a measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotational motion. It depends on both the mass of the object and how that mass is distributed relative to the axis of rotation. Objects with greater moment of inertia require more torque to achieve the same angular acceleration.
While mass measures an object's resistance to linear acceleration (F = ma), moment of inertia measures resistance to angular acceleration (τ = Iα). Unlike mass, which is an intrinsic property, moment of inertia depends on the chosen axis of rotation and the distribution of mass around that axis.
To convert from kilogram-square-meter (kg·m²) to pound-square-foot (lb·ft²), multiply the kg·m² value by 23.730. For example, 2 kg·m² equals approximately 47.46 lb·ft².
Moment of inertia is crucial in designing rotating machinery, vehicles, and structures subject to dynamic loads. It affects how quickly a system can accelerate or decelerate, influences vibration characteristics, and determines energy storage in flywheels. Proper calculation and conversion of moment of inertia units are essential for accurate engineering design and analysis.
Mass located farther from the axis of rotation contributes more to the moment of inertia (proportional to the square of the distance). This is why hollow cylinders have greater moment of inertia than solid cylinders of the same mass and outer radius, and why figure skaters can control their rotation speed by extending or pulling in their arms.