🔧 Torque Converter
By ToolNimba Editorial Team · Updated 2026-06-19
Type in any box and every other unit updates instantly.
This torque converter changes a turning force between the units engineers and mechanics use every day: newton-metres (N·m), kilonewton-metres (kN·m), foot-pounds (ft·lb), inch-pounds (in·lb) and kilogram-force metres (kgf·m). Type a value into any box and the other four update at once, so you can read a spec in one unit and apply it in another without reaching for a calculator. Every conversion uses the exact, internationally agreed factors, which matters when a fastener has a tight torque window.
What is the Torque Converter?
Torque is a measure of rotational force: how hard something is twisted about a pivot. It is the product of a force and the perpendicular distance from the axis to where that force is applied, so its unit is always a force multiplied by a length. One newton-metre (N·m) is the torque produced by a one-newton force acting at a perpendicular distance of one metre. Because torque and energy share the same base dimensions, the joule is deliberately reserved for energy and torque keeps the name newton-metre to avoid confusion.
The imperial side of the table works the same way but with pounds-force and feet or inches. A foot-pound (ft·lb) is one pound-force applied one foot from the axis, and an inch-pound (in·lb) is one pound-force applied one inch out. Since a foot is twelve inches, one ft·lb is exactly twelve in·lb, a handy check when you convert between the two. The kilogram-force metre (kgf·m) is an older metric unit still seen on some European and Japanese equipment, based on the force that standard gravity exerts on one kilogram.
The conversions are simple multiplications by fixed factors: 1 ft·lb = 1.355818 N·m, 1 in·lb = 0.112985 N·m, and 1 kgf·m = 9.80665 N·m, with kN·m being 1000 N·m. This tool converts every entry to newton-metres internally and then back out to the other units, so you always get a consistent result no matter which box you type in. Keep the order of the words straight too: ft·lb (torque) is not the same idea as lb·ft used loosely for the same thing, but it is different from foot-pound used as a unit of energy.
When to use it
- Translating a bolt torque spec given in N·m into ft·lb so you can set an imperial torque wrench.
- Converting a small-fastener spec from in·lb to N·m for precision assembly or electronics work.
- Reading torque from older European or Japanese equipment quoted in kgf·m into modern N·m.
- Checking an engine or motor output figure across data sheets that mix metric and imperial units.
How to use the Torque Converter
- Type the torque value you have into the box for its unit (for example N·m or ft·lb).
- Read the equivalent value instantly in every other unit shown.
- Use a preset button for a quick round number, or Clear to reset all fields.
- Round the result to the precision your torque wrench or spec sheet requires.
Formula & method
Worked examples
A wheel-nut spec of 100 N·m needs to be set on an imperial (ft·lb) torque wrench.
- 100 N·m is already in newton-metres, so no first step is needed.
- Divide by the ft·lb factor: 100 ÷ 1.355818 = 73.756
- Cross-check in·lb: 100 ÷ 0.112985 = 885.07, and 73.756 × 12 = 885.07
Result: 100 N·m = 73.76 ft·lb (about 885.07 in·lb)
A small screw is rated at 25 in·lb and you want the value in N·m.
- Convert to newton-metres: 25 × 0.112985 = 2.824625 N·m
- That is also 2.824625 ÷ 1.355818 = 2.083 ft·lb
- And 2.824625 ÷ 9.80665 = 0.288 kgf·m
Result: 25 in·lb = 2.825 N·m (about 2.08 ft·lb)
Exact conversion factors to newton-metres (N·m)
| Unit | Symbol | Value in N·m |
|---|---|---|
| Newton-metre | N·m | 1 |
| Kilonewton-metre | kN·m | 1000 |
| Foot-pound | ft·lb | 1.355818 |
| Inch-pound | in·lb | 0.112985 |
| Kilogram-force metre | kgf·m | 9.80665 |
Common N·m to ft·lb equivalents
| Newton-metres | Foot-pounds | Inch-pounds |
|---|---|---|
| 10 N·m | 7.38 ft·lb | 88.51 in·lb |
| 25 N·m | 18.44 ft·lb | 221.27 in·lb |
| 50 N·m | 36.88 ft·lb | 442.53 in·lb |
| 100 N·m | 73.76 ft·lb | 885.07 in·lb |
| 200 N·m | 147.51 ft·lb | 1770.15 in·lb |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing up ft·lb and in·lb. One foot-pound is twelve inch-pounds, so reading a spec in the wrong unit is off by a factor of twelve. Small fasteners are usually quoted in in·lb, larger ones in ft·lb. Always confirm which the spec means before converting.
- Confusing torque with energy. A newton-metre of torque and a joule of energy share the same base units but are different quantities. Keep the name newton-metre (or N·m) for torque so you do not accidentally treat a turning force as work done.
- Using a rounded factor for tight specs. Approximating 1 ft·lb as 1.36 N·m is fine for rough work but drifts on critical fasteners. This tool uses the exact factor 1.355818, so use the full result when the torque window is narrow.
- Treating kgf·m as the same as kg. Kilogram-force metre is a torque unit that already includes standard gravity (9.80665). It is not a mass, so do not leave gravity out when converting it to newton-metres.
Glossary
- Torque
- A turning or twisting force about an axis, equal to a force multiplied by the perpendicular distance from the pivot.
- Newton-metre (N·m)
- The SI unit of torque: one newton of force applied one metre from the axis of rotation.
- Foot-pound (ft·lb)
- An imperial torque unit: one pound-force applied one foot from the axis. Equal to 1.355818 N·m.
- Inch-pound (in·lb)
- An imperial torque unit: one pound-force applied one inch from the axis. Twelve in·lb make one ft·lb.
- Kilogram-force metre (kgf·m)
- An older metric torque unit based on standard gravity, equal to 9.80665 N·m.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert N·m to ft·lb?
Divide the newton-metre value by 1.355818. For example, 100 N·m ÷ 1.355818 = 73.76 ft·lb. To go the other way, multiply foot-pounds by 1.355818 to get newton-metres.
How many newton-metres are in one foot-pound?
Exactly 1.355818 N·m make one foot-pound. So 50 ft·lb is 50 × 1.355818 = 67.79 N·m. This is the internationally agreed factor used by the converter.
What is the difference between ft·lb and in·lb?
Both are imperial torque units. A foot-pound uses a one-foot lever arm and an inch-pound uses a one-inch arm, so one ft·lb equals exactly twelve in·lb. Small fasteners are usually specified in in·lb.
Is a newton-metre the same as a joule?
Dimensionally they look alike, but they measure different things. A joule is energy (work done), while a newton-metre here is torque (a turning force). The separate name keeps the two from being confused.
What is a kgf·m and where will I see it?
A kilogram-force metre is an older metric torque unit equal to 9.80665 N·m. You may see it on legacy European or Japanese machinery, engine specs and some torque-wrench scales.
Are these conversions exact?
Yes. The tool uses the exact defined factors (1 ft·lb = 1.355818 N·m, 1 in·lb = 0.112985 N·m, 1 kgf·m = 9.80665 N·m) and converts through newton-metres, so the only rounding is in how many digits you choose to read.