Definition
A unit of moment (or torque) equal to a force of one pound applied at a perpendicular distance of one inch from a reference point. In weight and balance calculations, inch-pounds express the moment produced when an item's weight (in pounds) is multiplied by its arm (in inches) measured from the datum.
Plain English
It is the number you get when you multiply how heavy something is in pounds by how far it sits, in inches, from the reference point on the aircraft. That number tells you how much turning effect the item has on the airplane's balance.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft weight-and-balance problems, loading charts, and moment calculations.
Derivation
The name reflects the two units being multiplied: inches (distance) and pounds (force). It is literally a pound of force acting through an arm of one inch. Knowing this makes the math feel less abstract — you are simply multiplying the two units shown in the name.
Why Pilots Care
Moments expressed in inch-pounds are summed and divided by total weight to locate the center of gravity and confirm it stays inside limits.
Grounding Statement
A lighter item farther from the measuring point can create the same inch-pounds as a heavier item closer to it.
Intuition Check
Do not read inch-pounds as two separate measurements listed side by side. In this context, inch-pounds means pounds multiplied by inches to show a balancing effect.
Example Sentence 1
After loading the baggage compartment, the pilot calculated 12,500 inch-pounds of moment for that station.
Example Sentence 2
After loading, the total moment of 42,500 inch-pounds was divided by the aircraft's total weight to find the center of gravity location.