🔧 Torque Conversion Calculator 2026
Convert between newton meters, pound feet, kilogram meters, and more
1 N·m = 0.7376 lb·ft
Formula: value × 0.7376
📊 All Conversions
Common Torque Conversions
| From | To | Multiply by |
|---|---|---|
| 1 newton meter (N·m) | pound foot (lb·ft) | 0.7376 |
| 1 pound foot (lb·ft) | newton meter (N·m) | 1.3558 |
| 1 newton meter (N·m) | pound inch (lb·in) | 8.8507 |
| 1 kilogram meter (kg·m) | newton meter (N·m) | 9.8067 |
| 1 kilonewton meter (kN·m) | newton meter | 1,000 |
| 1 newton centimeter | newton meter | 0.01 |
Typical Torque Values
| Application | Typical Torque |
|---|---|
| 🔩 Bicycle pedal | 30–40 N·m (22–30 lb·ft) |
| 🚗 Car wheel lug nut | 80–140 N·m (60–100 lb·ft) |
| 🔧 Spark plug | 20–30 N·m (15–22 lb·ft) |
| 🚙 Economy car engine | 150–200 N·m (110–150 lb·ft) |
| 🏎️ Sports car engine | 400–600 N·m (295–440 lb·ft) |
| 🚚 Diesel truck engine | 1,000–2,500 N·m (740–1,850 lb·ft) |
| ⚡ Electric motor (Tesla) | 600–1,000 N·m (440–740 lb·ft) |
Understanding Torque
🔧 Newton Meter (N·m)
SI unit of torque. Force of 1 newton applied at 1 meter from pivot. Standard for automotive and engineering specifications worldwide.
🔩 Pound Foot (lb·ft)
Imperial unit. Force of 1 pound at 1 foot from pivot. Common in US automotive. Often written as ft-lb or ft·lbf.
⚡ Torque vs Power
Power = Torque × Speed. Torque is rotational force. Power is rate of work. High torque at low RPM = pulling power. High power = top speed.
🔧 Torque Wrenches
Precision tightening. Click-type, beam, or digital. Critical for engines, wheels, structural bolts. Over-tightening can strip threads; under-tightening causes loosening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is torque?
Rotational force. Torque = Force × Distance from pivot. Measured
in N·m or lb·ft. Determines ability to rotate or resist rotation. Key for engines, fasteners, machinery.
How do I convert N·m to lb·ft?
Multiply by 0.7376. Example: 100 N·m × 0.7376 = 73.76 lb·ft. Or
divide N·m by 1.3558.
How do I convert lb·ft to N·m?
Multiply by 1.3558. Example: 100 lb·ft × 1.3558 = 135.58 N·m. Or
divide lb·ft by 0.7376.
What is the difference between lb·ft and ft·lb?
Same unit, different notation. lb·ft, ft·lb, ft-lb, lb-ft all mean
pound-foot. Technically "lb·ft" is clearer, but both are widely used for torque.
How much torque for wheel lug nuts?
80–140 N·m (60–100 lb·ft) for most passenger cars. Check vehicle
manual — varies by wheel size and material. Always use torque wrench; over-tightening can damage studs.
What torque wrench accuracy do I need?
±4% for most applications. Critical assemblies (engines,
aircraft): ±2%. Cheap wrenches may have ±10% error. Calibrate annually for accuracy.
What is a kilogram meter?
kgf·m = 9.80665 N·m. Legacy metric unit using kilogram-force.
Still seen on older equipment. 1 kg·m ≈ 7.23 lb·ft.
What is the torque of a typical car engine?
Economy car: 150–200 N·m. Sports car: 400–600 N·m. Truck/diesel:
500–1,500+ N·m. Electric motors often have high torque from 0 RPM.
Why is torque important for electric vehicles?
Instant torque from 0 RPM. Electric motors provide maximum torque
immediately, unlike combustion engines that need to rev up. This gives EVs quick acceleration.
What is the relationship between torque and power?
Power (kW) = Torque (N·m) × RPM ÷ 9549. Or HP = Torque (lb·ft) ×
RPM ÷ 5252. High torque = pulling force. High power = sustained work rate.
How do I calculate required torque?
Torque = Force × Lever arm. If you need 100 N of force at 0.5 m
from pivot: 100 × 0.5 = 50 N·m. For bolts, use manufacturer specifications.
What is breakaway torque?
Torque to initially loosen a stuck fastener. Usually higher than
tightening torque due to friction, corrosion, or thread-locking compound. Can be 1.5–3× installation
torque.
What is prevailing torque?
Resistance from locking features. Nylon inserts, deformed threads,
or interference fits create friction that prevents loosening. This adds to total installation torque.
Should I lubricate bolts before torquing?
Only if specification says so. Lubrication reduces friction, so
same torque produces more clamping force. Dry vs lubricated specs differ by 15–30%. Follow manufacturer
guidance.
What is newton centimeter?
N·cm = 0.01 N·m. Used for small fasteners, precision instruments.
100 N·cm = 1 N·m. Convenient for electronics and fine mechanics.
What is a dyne centimeter?
CGS torque unit. 1 dyn·cm = 10⁻⁷ N·m. Very small. Used in physics
calculations. 10⁷ dyn·cm = 1 N·m.
How accurate is this torque converter?
Uses precise conversion factors. Results are mathematically exact.
For critical applications, verify specifications with manufacturer data.