Torque Converter

How to convert torque units

Torque is measured in newton meters in SI, where one newton meter is a force of one newton applied at a perpendicular distance of one meter. The common units relate as: 1 lbf·ft = 1.355818 N·m, 1 lbf·in = 0.11298 N·m, and 1 kgf·m = 9.80665 N·m. To convert, express both units relative to the newton meter, then divide.

Worked example

A wheel-nut spec of 100 N·m is 100 × 0.73756 = 73.76 lbf·ft, or about 885.07 lbf·in. A small electronics screw torqued to 5 kgf·cm is roughly 5 × 0.86796 = 4.34 lbf·in.

What is 1 newton meter in pound-feet?

One newton meter equals about 0.73756 pound-feet (lbf·ft), 8.85075 pound-inches (lbf·in), or 10.1972 kilogram-force centimeters. One pound-foot equals 1.355818 newton meters and twelve pound-inches.

When you'll use a torque converter

Torque conversion is essential for automotive work (wheel nuts, spark plugs and head bolts in N·m or lb-ft), bicycle and electronics assembly (kgf·cm, lbf·in), and general engineering torque specs. The table above lists your value in all 17 supported units at once.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert newton meters to pound-feet?

Multiply the newton-meter value by 0.73756 to get pound-feet, because 1 N·m equals 0.73756 lbf·ft. For example, 100 N·m is about 73.76 pound-feet.

How many newton meters are in a pound-foot?

One pound-foot equals about 1.355818 newton meters, since 1 lbf·ft is defined as 1.355818 N·m. To go from pound-feet to newton meters you multiply by 1.3558.

What is the difference between pound-feet and foot-pounds of torque?

For torque they describe the same magnitude: a force of one pound-force applied at one foot. Engineers usually write torque as pound-feet (lbf·ft) and keep foot-pounds for energy, but the number is identical.

How do I convert newton meters to pound-inches?

Multiply the newton-meter value by 8.85075 to get pound-inches, because 1 N·m equals 8.85075 lbf·in. There are 12 pound-inches in one pound-foot.

What is a kilogram-force meter?

A kilogram-force meter (kgf·m) is the torque from one kilogram-force acting at one meter. It equals 9.80665 newton meters, so it appears in older metric torque specifications.

Is torque the same as energy?

No. Torque and energy share the dimensions of force times distance, but torque is a rotational effort measured in newton meters, while energy is measured in joules. We keep them as separate converters.