Torque Converter

The Torque Converter converts between five torque units: Newton-meters (N·m), foot-pounds (lbf·ft), inch-pounds (lbf·in), kilogram-force meters (kgf·m), and dyne-centimeters (dyn·cm). Select the From and To units, enter the value, and click Convert. Results are immediate.

Torque values appear throughout automotive and mechanical work: vehicle service manuals specify bolt torques, torque wrench settings must match the specification's unit, engine output is rated in torque alongside power. The choice between N·m, ft·lb, and in·lb depends on the geography and application — using the correct unit and the correct value for every fastener prevents both under tightening (parts that loosen) and overtightening (stripped threads, distorted gaskets, broken bolts).

How to use the Torque Converter

1. Enter the torque value to convert.
2. Select the From unit — the unit the specification or reading is currently in.
3. Select the To unit — the unit your torque wrench or application requires.
4. Click Convert. The result is displayed immediately.
5. To convert to additional units, change the To dropdown and click Convert again.

What is torque?

Torque is a rotational force — the turning force applied at a distance from a pivot point. Torque = Force x Distance (arm length). If you apply a force of 10 N at the end of a 0.5-metre wrench, the torque is 10 x 0.5 = 5 N·m. A longer wrench produces more torque from the same applied force — this is the mechanical advantage of longer tools.

Formula: Torque (N·m) = Force (N) x Arm length (m)

In automotive and mechanical work, torque specifications define how tightly a fastener should be tightened. Too little torque allows the fastener to loosen under vibration. Too much torque stretches or breaks the bolt, strips threads, or distorts the clamped component (common with aluminum cylinder heads, brake caliper brackets, and plastic components). A torque wrench applies a measured, controlled force — the converter ensures you set the wrench to match the specification's unit.

Torque and power are related but different. Engine torque (N·m or lb·ft) is the rotational force the engine produces. Engine power (kW or hp) depends on both torque and rotational speed: Power (W) = Torque (N·m) x Angular velocity (rad/s) = Torque x (2 x pi x RPM / 60). A diesel engine may have high torque but lower maximum RPM, giving moderate power; a petrol engine may have lower torque but spin much faster, giving high power from smaller displacement. Converting torque units does not involve power — they are separate physical quantities.

All five units — conversion factors and contexts

Conversion factor quick reference

The table below shows the conversion factor between each pair of units. To convert, multiply the value in the From unit by the factor in the corresponding column:

When to use N·m, lbf·ft, lbf·in, and kgf·m

Newton-meters (N·m)

The modern international standard for torque. Used in all contemporary vehicle service manuals (particularly European brands and all manufacturers in their metric markets), engineering standards, and scientific work. If you work with a European or modern Asian vehicle, or if a specification uses SI units, your torque values will be in N·m. Most digital torque wrenches display N·m.

Foot-pounds (lbf·ft)

The primary torque unit in US automotive work and the unit used for engine torque ratings in the US and UK markets. US vehicle service manuals (Ford, GM, Chrysler) specify bolt torques in lbf·ft. Engine output torque in American and British press reviews is stated in lb·ft (e.g. '350 lb·ft of torque'). Most US-purchased torque wrenches have a primary scale in lbf·ft with a secondary N·m scale.

Inch-pounds (lbf·in)

Used for small fasteners where foot-pound values would be less than 1 or awkwardly small. Common contexts include electronics assembly (circuit board mounting screws), bicycle components (stem bolts, derailleur limit screws), aircraft maintenance (small airframe fasteners), and small engine work (model engines, generator pull-cord bolts, carburetor screws). 1 lbf·ft = 12 lbf·in, so 5 lbf·ft = 60 lbf·in — inch-pounds give more usable precision at low torque values.

Kilogram-force meters (kgf·m)

Used in older Japanese, Korean, and some European vehicle manuals from the 1970s–1990s. If you are working from a vintage service manual for a Japanese motorcycle, Toyota Land Cruiser, or early Hyundai, you may encounter kgf·m specifications. Convert to N·m (multiply by 9.80665) or lbf·ft (multiply by 7.233) for use with a modern torque wrench.

Common bolt torque reference — automotive and mechanical

The values in the table below are general guidance only. Always use the torque specification from the vehicle or equipment manufacturer's service manual for safety-critical fasteners. Incorrect torque on wheel nuts, brake calipers, suspension components, or cylinder heads can result in component failure and serious injury. The manufacturer's specification accounts for thread size, material, coating, lubrication, and clamping load requirements — generic values do not.

Usage limits

Related tools

• Power Converter — convert watts, kilowatts, and horsepower. Power = torque x angular velocity: use the Power Converter when calculating engine output from torque and RPM.
• Speed Converter — convert km/h, mph, m/s, and more. Relevant for vehicle performance calculations combining speed, power, and torque.
• Pressure Converter — convert PSI, bar, kPa, and more. Pressure and torque specifications often appear together in hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert Nm to ft-lb?

Multiply N·m by 0.7376 to get lbf·ft. To convert lbf·ft to N·m: multiply by 1.35582. Examples: 100 N·m x 0.7376 = 73.76 lbf·ft; 80 lbf·ft x 1.35582 = 108.5 N·m; 20 N·m x 0.7376 = 14.75 lbf·ft. Quick approximation: N·m x 0.74 ≈ lbf·ft; lbf·ft x 1.36 ≈ N·m. For torque wrench settings, always use the exact converted value — the 26% difference between N·m and lbf·ft for the same torque value is too large for approximation to be safe on critical fasteners.

What is the difference between ft-lb and in-lb?

Both are US torque units. 1 lbf·ft = 12 lbf·in. Foot-pounds are used for larger fasteners (wheel nuts, head bolts, caliper bolts) where torque values are typically 20–150 lbf·ft. Inch-pounds are used for small fasteners where using foot-pounds would give values less than 1 or inconveniently small fractions — for example, 5 lbf·ft = 60 lbf·in. If a specification gives a torque in the range of 1–20 in·lb, it is almost certainly a small fastener application (electronics, bicycle, precision instrument). Convert to lbf·ft for use with a full-size torque wrench; use a 1/4-inch drive or small torque wrench calibrated in in·lb for these applications.

What torque should wheel nuts be tightened to?

Wheel nut (lug nut) torque varies by vehicle, wheel stud size, and thread type. Typical passenger car values are 110–140 N·m (80–103 lbf·ft). Smaller cars may specify 80–100 N·m; large 4x4s and trucks may require 150–200 N·m or more. Always check your vehicle's service manual or the specification printed on the wheel nut/stud documentation. Never use an impact gun without a torque stick or checking the final torque with a calibrated torque wrench. Overtightened wheel nuts can warp brake discs and break wheel studs; under tightened nuts can cause wheel separation.

What is kgf·m and how does it relate to Nm?

Kilogram-force meter (kgf·m) is a torque unit where the force component is in kilogram-force (the weight of 1 kg under standard gravity = 9.80665 N). 1 kgf·m = 9.80665 N·m ≈ 7.233 lbf·ft. It is used in older Japanese, Korean, and European vehicle service manuals. If you are working from a vintage manual that specifies torque in kgf·m, multiply by 9.807 to convert to N·m, or multiply by 7.233 to convert to lbf·ft.

What is the difference between torque and power?

Torque is a static rotational force — how hard something is being twisted, measured in N·m or lbf·ft. Power is the rate at which work is done — how much torque is being produced at a given rotational speed. Power (W) = Torque (N·m) x Rotational speed (rad/s) = Torque x (2 x pi x RPM / 60). An engine producing 300 N·m at 3,000 RPM is producing 300 x (2 x pi x 3,000/60) = 300 x 314.16 = 94,248 W = approximately 94.2 kW (126 hp). High torque at low RPM (diesel engines) vs lower torque at high RPM (petrol sports engines) can produce similar power outputs.

Should I use a torque wrench for all bolts?

For safety-critical fasteners, always use a torque wrench: wheel nuts, brake caliper bolts, suspension components, cylinder head bolts, engine mounts, and any fastener where failure could cause injury or expensive damage. For non-critical fasteners (body panels, plastic trim, some interior fittings), experienced mechanics often judge torque by feel — but this takes years of practice and is not recommended for beginners. A low-cost click-type torque wrench (1/4-inch drive for small fasteners, 1/2-inch drive for larger bolts) is an essential tool for any mechanic.

What does lbf-ft mean and is it different from ft-lb?

lbf·ft (pound-force foot) and ft·lb (foot-pound) mean the same thing when used as a torque unit. The lbf·ft notation is more technically precise (specifying pound-force rather than pound-mass), but ft·lb is the colloquial shorthand used in most US automotive contexts. Both refer to the torque produced by a force of 1 pound-force applied at a distance of 1 foot. In physics, ft·lb (foot-pound) can also refer to energy (foot-pound-force of work), which is numerically the same unit — context makes the meaning clear.

Is the Torque Converter free?

Yes. The converter is free within the daily usage limits shown above. Guest users can perform 25 conversions per day without creating an account. Registering a free ToolsPiNG account increases the daily limit to 100 conversions per day.