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
Extended More scenarios, charts & detailed breakdown
Result
Professional Full parameters & maximum detail
N
m
N·m
RPM
kg·m²
rad/s²

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

  1. Enter the torque value.
  2. Select the From Unit and To Unit.
  3. Click Calculate to see the converted torque.
  4. 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.

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