Torque Converter
Convert newton-metres, pound-feet and kilogram-force metres.
Convert between units of torque used in engineering and automotive specs — newton-metres (N·m), pound-feet (lb·ft) and kilogram-force metres (kgf·m).
Formula / method
Examples
73.76 lb·ft
67.79 N·m
The units and their relationships
Torque is a rotational force, and this tool converts between the three units you meet most often: the newton-metre (N-m) used in science and by most European carmakers, the pound-foot (lb-ft) common in the United States, and the kilogram-force metre (kgf-m) still seen on older specs. One pound-foot equals about 1.3558 N-m, and one kilogram-force metre equals 9.80665 N-m, which works out to roughly 7.233 lb-ft.
Note that 'pound-foot' and 'foot-pound' describe the same magnitude; the ordering is just a naming convention, so you can treat lb-ft and ft-lb as interchangeable here.
Torque is not energy
Although a newton-metre and a joule share the same base dimensions, they describe different physical things. Torque measures a twisting effort applied about an axis, while a joule measures work or energy. For that reason engineers keep torque in N-m and never convert it to joules, even though the arithmetic would look identical.
Use this converter when reading a bolt's tightening spec, comparing engine outputs across regions, or setting a torque wrench that is calibrated in a different unit than the one your manual quotes.
Where it's used
- Setting a torque wrench when the manual's spec is in a different unit than the tool
- Comparing engine or motor torque figures across US (lb·ft) and metric (N·m) sources
- Following a bolt-tightening spec on a bike, car, or machine
- Reading older equipment plates that quote torque in kgf·m
- Converting a fastener spec sheet for an international build
Real-world examples
- A mechanic converts a 90 N·m wheel-bolt spec to about 66 lb·ft to set an imperial wrench.
- A cyclist tightening a stem bolt rated 5 N·m checks its equivalent in lb·ft.
- An engine rated 300 lb·ft is compared with a rival quoted as 407 N·m.
Did you know?
Torque and energy share the same base units, yet convention keeps them apart: a twisting effort is written in newton-metres (N·m), while the dimensionally identical unit of energy is called the joule.
FAQ
What is torque?
Torque is rotational force — how much twist is applied around an axis. Car engines and bolts are commonly rated in N·m or lb·ft.