Torque Unit Converter
Convert torque unit between units instantly. Includes conversion tables, common equivalents, and calculation formulas.
Formula
Target = Value x (Source Factor / Target Factor)
All torque units are converted through Newton-meters as the base unit. The input value is first multiplied by its conversion factor to get Newton-meters, then divided by the target unit conversion factor. This two-step process ensures accurate conversions between any pair of torque units.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Automotive Bolt Torque Spec
Problem: A European car manual specifies wheel lug nut torque as 120 Nm. Convert to lb-ft for an American torque wrench.
Solution: lb-ft = Nm x 0.7376\nlb-ft = 120 x 0.7376\nlb-ft = 88.51\nAlso: 120 Nm = 1061.82 lb-in = 1223.27 kg-cm
Result: 120 Nm = 88.51 lb-ft
Example 2: Servo Motor Specification
Problem: A servo motor is rated at 15 kg-cm. Convert to oz-in and Nm.
Solution: Nm = kg-cm x 0.0980665 = 15 x 0.0980665 = 1.471 Nm\noz-in = Nm / 0.00706155 = 1.471 / 0.00706155 = 208.33 oz-in\nlb-in = Nm / 0.112985 = 1.471 / 0.112985 = 13.02 lb-in
Result: 15 kg-cm = 1.471 Nm = 208.33 oz-in
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Newton-meter (Nm) of torque?
A Newton-meter is the SI unit of torque, defined as the rotational force produced when a force of one Newton is applied perpendicularly at one meter from the axis of rotation. It is the most widely used torque unit in engineering and automotive specifications outside the United States. One Newton-meter equals approximately 0.7376 pound-feet. The unit should not be confused with the Joule, which has the same dimensions but measures energy rather than torque.
When would I use kilogram-centimeters or ounce-inches for torque?
Kilogram-centimeters (kg-cm) are commonly used for small servo motors, RC hobby servos, and some Asian-manufactured equipment where the kilogram-force system is still used. Ounce-inches (oz-in) are standard in American small motor and precision instrument specifications, such as stepper motors, small DC motors, and torque specifications for electronic component fasteners. Both units are practical for small torque values where Newton-meters would require inconveniently small numbers.
What is the difference between torque and work, since both use similar units?
Torque and work both have units of force times distance, but they describe fundamentally different physical quantities. Torque is a rotational force applied about an axis, measured in Newton-meters (Nm), while work is energy transferred by a force through a linear distance, measured in Joules (J). Although 1 Nm equals 1 J dimensionally, they are not interchangeable. Torque involves a perpendicular force and a moment arm, while work involves a parallel force and a displacement.
How do significant figures affect unit conversions?
Your converted result should have the same number of significant figures as your original measurement. If you measure 5.2 inches (2 significant figures), converting to centimeters gives 13 cm, not 13.208 cm. Using excessive decimal places implies false precision.
What are the most common unit conversion mistakes?
Common errors include confusing fluid ounces with weight ounces, mixing up miles and nautical miles, forgetting that UK and US gallons differ (UK is 20% larger), using the wrong temperature formula, and not accounting for the difference between troy and avoirdupois ounces.
Why do some countries use different unit systems?
Most countries adopted the metric system after the French Revolution standardized it in the 1790s. The US, Liberia, and Myanmar still primarily use imperial/customary units due to historical inertia, though US science and military use metric.