Torque Converter Calculator
Convert torque between Newton-meters, foot-pounds, inch-pounds, and kilogram-force meters. Calculate torque from force and distance, power from torque and RPM, and look up bolt torque specs.
Converted Value
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Result
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N
m
Torque from Force
Torque from Force × Arm —
Same in ft·lb —
Power from Torque+RPM
Power (kW) from T+RPM —
Power (HP) from T+RPM —
Rotational Dynamics
Torque from I × α —
Automotive context —
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the torque value.
- Select the From Unit and To Unit.
- Click Calculate to see the converted torque.
- Use "All Units" to see all four units at once, or "Bolt Torque" for standard fastener specs.
Formula
1 N·m = 0.73756 ft·lb = 8.8507 in·lb = 0.10197 kgf·m
Torque T = Force (N) × Arm Length (m)
Power kW = T × RPM × 2π ÷ 60,000
Example
Example: 200 N·m ÷ 1.35582 = 147.5 ft·lb; × 8.8507 = 1770 in·lb
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1 Newton-meter (N·m) equals 0.737562 foot-pounds (ft·lb). To convert N·m to ft·lb, multiply by 0.737562. Examples: 50 N·m = 36.88 ft·lb; 100 N·m = 73.76 ft·lb; 200 N·m = 147.51 ft·lb; 300 N·m = 221.27 ft·lb; 400 N·m = 295.02 ft·lb. N·m is the SI unit for torque and is used in most of the world for engineering specifications. ft·lb (foot-pounds) is used primarily in the US for automotive torque specs, wrench ratings, and fastener tightening specs. A quick mental estimate: N·m ÷ 1.356 ≈ ft·lb (or multiply by 0.74 — "roughly three-quarters"). For example, 80 N·m × 0.74 ≈ 59 ft·lb (exact: 59.00 ft·lb).
- 1 foot-pound (ft·lb) equals 1.355818 Newton-meters (N·m). To convert ft·lb to N·m, multiply by 1.355818. Examples: 50 ft·lb = 67.79 N·m; 100 ft·lb = 135.58 N·m; 150 ft·lb = 203.37 N·m; 200 ft·lb = 271.16 N·m. A quick mental estimate: ft·lb × 1.36 ≈ N·m (or "add 36% to the ft·lb value"). For example, 100 ft·lb × 1.36 ≈ 136 N·m (exact: 135.58 N·m). Note: do not confuse ft·lb (torque, foot-pound-force) with foot-pound as an energy unit. In physics, 1 ft·lb of energy = 1.356 J; in torque, 1 ft·lb = 1.356 N·m — they use the same number but represent different physical quantities. Inch-pounds (in·lb) are used for smaller fasteners: 1 ft·lb = 12 in·lb; 1 N·m = 8.8507 in·lb.
- Torque is calculated as T = F × r × sin(θ), where F is the force applied (in Newtons or pounds-force), r is the distance from the pivot point (moment arm, in meters or feet), and θ is the angle between the force and the lever arm. When the force is perpendicular (θ = 90°, sin = 1), the formula simplifies to T = F × r. Example: a 100 N force applied perpendicularly at 0.5 m from a bolt gives T = 100 × 0.5 = 50 N·m. With a torque wrench at 60 cm (0.6 m), applying 83.3 N (≈ 8.5 kg) of force gives 50 N·m. Understanding the moment arm concept helps: a longer wrench handle requires less force to achieve the same torque, which is why breaker bars and long-handle wrenches make loosening stuck bolts easier.
- Power (kW) = [Torque (N·m) × RPM × 2π] ÷ 60,000. The factor 2π converts rotations to radians, and 60,000 converts per-minute to per-second and watts to kilowatts. In US units: Power (HP) = [Torque (ft·lb) × RPM] ÷ 5252. The constant 5252 = 33,000 ft·lb/min ÷ 2π. Example: 250 N·m at 5,000 RPM = (250 × 5000 × 6.2832) ÷ 60,000 = 130.9 kW = 175.6 HP. This formula shows why power and torque peak at different RPM points for a typical engine: peak torque usually comes at lower RPM while peak power occurs higher on the RPM range. The crossover point (where torque in ft·lb = power in HP numerically) always occurs at exactly 5,252 RPM.
- Lug nut torque specifications vary by vehicle make and model, typically ranging from 80 to 130 N·m (59 to 96 ft·lb). Common specifications: most passenger cars 80–110 N·m (59–81 ft·lb); light trucks and SUVs 100–130 N·m (74–96 ft·lb); heavy-duty trucks up to 500 N·m (369 ft·lb). Always consult your vehicle owner's manual or the torque spec sticker inside the door jamb for the exact value — using the wrong torque can cause brake rotor warping (over-torque) or loose wheels (under-torque). Torque specs apply to clean, dry threads; oiled or anti-seize-coated threads require 20–25% less torque. Use a calibrated torque wrench in a star pattern, tighten in stages, and re-check after driving 50–100 km (30–60 miles) after a tire change.