Torque Converter
Convert torque between newton-metres, pound-feet, pound-inches, kilogram-force metres and ounce-inches, with a reference table.
About the Torque Converter
This torque converter switches between the rotational-force units used in mechanics and engineering: newton-metres, kilonewton-metres, pound-feet, pound-inches, kilogram-force metres and ounce-inches. Enter a value, choose your units, and the answer appears instantly.
Torque is force applied at a distance from a pivot — what a wrench delivers to a bolt. The newton-metre is the SI unit, while pound-feet dominate US automotive specs (1 lb·ft ≈ 1.3558 N·m). Small fasteners and electronics use pound-inches or ounce-inches.
All conversions use exact factors through a newton-metre base unit and run locally in your browser for fast, precise results — handy for torque-wrench settings and cross-referencing service manuals.
How to Use the Torque Converter
- 1Enter the torque value to convert.
- 2Select the source and target units.
- 3Read the result and reverse conversion instantly.
- 4Use the reference table for common values.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert Nm to ft-lb?
Divide newton-metres by 1.3558 to get pound-feet, or multiply pound-feet by 1.3558 to get newton-metres. So a 90 N·m wheel-nut spec is about 66 lb·ft. This converter does both directions, which is essential when a manual and your torque wrench use different units.
What's the difference between pound-feet and pound-inches?
Both are torque, but pound-feet uses a one-foot lever and pound-inches a one-inch lever, so 1 lb·ft = 12 lb·in. Larger fasteners are specified in lb·ft; small screws, electronics and precision work use lb·in or even ounce-inches. Don't mix them up — a factor of 12 is a lot of torque.
Is torque the same as energy, since both can be N·m?
No, despite sharing the newton-metre. Torque is force times a lever arm (a rotational effect); energy is force times distance moved (work done). They're physically different quantities, which is why torque is usually written N·m and energy as joules even though the units look the same.
What is kilogram-force metre used for?
Kilogram-force metre (kgf·m) expresses torque using the weight of a kilogram at a one-metre lever, equal to 9.80665 N·m. It appears in some European and Japanese vehicle specifications. The converter includes it so you can translate those figures to N·m or lb·ft.
Where is torque conversion needed?
Tightening bolts to spec with a torque wrench, automotive and engine specifications, machinery assembly, and physics problems. Being able to move between N·m and lb·ft is vital when working with vehicles and equipment documented in different unit systems.