Convert Torque Units
Torque Converter
Quick Reference Chart — Torque Units
Key relationships between the most common torque units. The N·m ↔ ft·lb conversion is by far the most frequently needed.
N·m, ft·lb, in·lb
| 1 N·m | = | 0.7376 ft·lb | |
| 1 ft·lb | = | 1.3558 N·m | |
| 1 ft·lb | = | 12 in·lb | exact |
| 1 in·lb | = | 0.08333 ft·lb | exact |
| 1 N·m | = | 8.8507 in·lb |
Metric Torque Units
| 1 kgf·m | = | 9.80665 N·m | exact |
| 1 kgf·cm | = | 0.0981 N·m | |
| 1 N·cm | = | 0.01 N·m | exact |
| 100 N·cm | = | 1 N·m | exact |
Common Torque Specifications
| Bicycle stem bolt | = | 5–7 N·m |
| Spark plug | = | 15–30 N·m |
| Oil drain plug | = | 25–40 N·m |
| Wheel lug nut | = | 100–140 N·m |
| Head bolt | = | 60–90 N·m |
About Torque Units
Automotive
US shops use foot-pounds (ft·lb) per SAE standards. European and Asian manufacturers specify Newton-meters (N·m) per ISO. Most modern manuals list both for international markets.
Bicycle & Small Fasteners
Bicycle components typically use N·m (usually 3–40 N·m range). For very small fasteners, inch-pounds (in·lb) provide finer resolution. Carbon fiber parts require precise torque to avoid damage.
Industrial & Scientific
N·m is the only SI-recognized torque unit. Older documentation may use kgf·m or kgf·cm (gravitational metric). Scientific work uses N·m exclusively.
Torque vs Force
Torque = Force × Distance from the pivot point. A longer wrench multiplies your force into more torque. 50 lbs of force on a 1-foot wrench = 50 ft·lb of torque. On a 2-foot wrench = 100 ft·lb.
Popular Torque Conversions
N·m ↔ ft·lb
- Newton-meters to Foot-pounds — × 0.7376
- Foot-pounds to Newton-meters — × 1.3558
in·lb ↔ ft·lb
- Inch-pounds to Foot-pounds — ÷ 12
- Foot-pounds to Inch-pounds — × 12
Gravitational Metric
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert Newton meters to foot pounds?
Multiply the N·m value by 0.7376 to get foot-pounds. For example, 100 N·m × 0.7376 = 73.76 ft·lb. Our converter handles this instantly for any value.
How many inch pounds are in a foot pound?
There are exactly 12 inch-pounds in 1 foot-pound. This is a defined relationship: 1 ft·lb = 12 in·lb, since 1 foot = 12 inches.
What torque units do car manuals use?
US car manuals typically use foot-pounds (ft·lb), while European and Asian manuals use Newton-meters (N·m). Most modern manuals list both units for international compatibility.
What is the difference between torque and force?
Force is a push or pull measured in Newtons or pounds. Torque is rotational force — force multiplied by the distance from the pivot point. A longer wrench multiplies your force into greater torque.
Torque conversion factors on this page follow NIST SP 811 and ISO 80000-4. The N·m is the SI unit of torque; ft·lb and in·lb are US customary/imperial units defined by SAE International.
