UnitSnapTorque converter
Torque is the rotational equivalent of force: the tendency of a force to twist an object around an axis. It equals force multiplied by the perpendicular distance from the axis. The SI unit is the newton-meter (N·m). Although it has the same dimensions as the joule, torque is never expressed in joules.
Convert between 8 torque units. Pick any two units below; results update as you type.
Popular torque conversions
About torque units
Automotive and fastener specifications use newton-meters in most countries, while the US commonly uses pound-force feet (lbf·ft) for larger bolts and pound-force inches (lbf·in) for small fasteners. Older European and Asian specifications may list kilogram-force meters, and small motors and servos are often rated in ounce-force inches or gram-force centimeters.
Gravitational torque units depend on standard gravity: 1 kgf·m is exactly 9.80665 N·m, and 1 lbf·ft is about 1.356 N·m.
Tips
- Torque wrench settings in lbf·ft and lbf·in differ by a factor of 12; using the wrong one can strip or break a bolt.
- Engine torque is listed in N·m in most markets and lbf·ft in the US; a value in N·m is roughly 1.36 times the lbf·ft value.
- The order of words varies (lb-ft, ft-lb), but for torque both refer to pound-force feet.
All torque units
| Unit | Symbol | Value in newton meters |
|---|---|---|
| Newton Meters | N·m | 1 N·m = 1 N·m |
| Decanewton Meters | daN·m | 1 daN·m = 10 N·m |
| Kilonewton Meters | kN·m | 1 kN·m = 1,000 N·m |
| Kilogram-Force Meters | kgf·m | 1 kgf·m = 9.80665 N·m |
| Ounce-Force Inches | ozf·in | 1 ozf·in = 0.007061552 N·m |
| Pound-Force Inches | lbf·in | 1 lbf·in = 0.1129848 N·m |
| Pound-Force Feet | lbf·ft | 1 lbf·ft = 1.355818 N·m |
| Gram-Force Centimeters | gf·cm | 1 gf·cm = 0.0000980665 N·m |
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Factors: NIST SP 811 · SI Brochure · NIST Handbook 44 — Updated