Torque Unit Converter
Convert torque between Newton-meters, pound-feet, kilogram-centimeters, ounce-inches, and more. Instant conversion with all common units.
Torque Unit Converter
Calculator
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Formula: Target = Value x (Source Factor / Target Factor)
Worked example โ 120 Nm = 88.51 lb-ft
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 lb-ft = 120 x 0.7376 lb-ft = 88.51 Also: 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 oz-in = Nm / 0.00706155 = 1.471 / 0.00706155 = 208.33 oz-in lb-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.
How do I convert between pound-feet and Newton-meters?
To convert pound-feet to Newton-meters, multiply by 1.35582. To convert Newton-meters to pound-feet, multiply by 0.7376 (or divide by 1.35582). For example, a torque specification of 100 lb-ft equals 135.58 Nm. This conversion is frequently needed when working with American vehicles that spec torque in lb-ft and using tools calibrated in Nm, or when comparing engine specifications across different markets.
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 the moment arm and the angle of the applied force determine torque?
Torque is the cross product of the position vector and the force, with magnitude tau = r*F*sin(theta), where r is the distance from the axis to the point of application and theta is the angle between them. Only the component of force perpendicular to the arm produces rotation, so pulling along the arm produces none. Doubling the arm doubles the torque for the same force, which is why breaker bars work.
Is there a difference between lb-ft and ft-lb?
In everyday use they are read as the same magnitude, and both convert at 1.35582 N*m per unit. The tidier convention reserves pound-force-foot, written lbf*ft, for torque and foot-pound for work or energy, mirroring the newton-metre and joule distinction. Because the ordering alone does not reliably signal which quantity is meant, a specification should say torque or energy rather than rely on word order.
How are torque and power related on a rotating shaft?
Power is torque times angular velocity, P = tau*omega, with omega in radians per second. Converting from revolutions per minute, omega = 2*pi*rpm/60, which gives the working shortcut P in kilowatts equals torque in newton-metres times rpm divided by 9549. This is why an electric motor delivering high torque at low speed can produce the same power as a small engine spinning far faster.
Why does a crowfoot or extension change the torque a wrench actually applies?
Adding an adapter in line with the wrench handle lengthens the effective lever between the handle and the fastener, so the fastener receives more torque than the wrench dial reads. With wrench length L and extension E, the dial setting should be the target torque multiplied by L/(L + E). If the adapter is mounted at right angles to the handle it does not change the effective length and no correction is needed.
Where does the 0.0980665 factor for kilogram-centimetres come from?
A kilogram-force is the weight of one kilogram under standard gravity, 9.80665 m/s^2, so 1 kgf equals 9.80665 N. Applying it at a one centimetre arm multiplies by 0.01 m, giving 0.0980665 N*m per kgf*cm. The same standard gravity value underlies every kilogram-force unit, which is why hobby servo ratings in kg-cm convert cleanly into newton-metres despite belonging to an obsolete unit system.
Why does lubrication change the torque needed for a given bolt preload?
Tightening torque is spent mostly overcoming friction under the bolt head and in the threads, with only a small share converted into clamping force. Engineers relate the two through a nut factor that bundles those friction effects together. Lubricating or plating a fastener lowers friction, so the same torque produces noticeably more preload and can overstretch the bolt. Always use the torque figure specified for the exact thread condition.
References
Reviewed for accuracy by Manoj Kumar, Mathematics Educator ยท Editorial policy
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