Torque Converter

Convert torque instantly between Newton metres (N·m), pound-feet (lb-ft), pound-inches (lb-in), and kilogram-force metres (kg·m). This free converter uses internationally recognised conversion factors and is ideal for vehicle specifications, engine tuning, motorcycles, engineering, and workshop calculations.

✔ Nm ⇄ lb-ft ⇄ lb-in ⇄ kg·m • ✔ Instant conversion • ✔ Accurate results

Tip: European manufacturers usually quote torque in N·m, while many US manufacturers use lb-ft.

What Is Torque?

Torque is a measure of rotational force. In simple terms, it describes how much twisting force an engine, electric motor, wrench, or rotating shaft can produce. The greater the torque, the greater the force available to turn an object.

In the automotive industry, torque is one of the most important performance figures. It affects acceleration, towing capacity, climbing ability, and how easily a vehicle can move from a standstill. While horsepower measures how quickly work can be done, torque measures the actual turning force that produces movement.

This free torque converter lets you instantly convert between Newton metres (N·m), foot-pounds (lb-ft), pound-inches (lb-in), and kilogram-force metres (kg·m) using internationally recognised conversion factors. Whether you need to convert N·m to lb-ft, lb-ft to N·m, or compare torque values from different countries, this calculator provides fast and accurate results.

Whether you're comparing engine specifications, checking torque wrench settings, reading a dyno chart, restoring a classic car, or following a workshop manual, this calculator provides instant and accurate conversions between the world's most common torque units.

Why Convert Torque?

Different manufacturers publish torque figures using different measurement systems. European vehicle manufacturers generally quote engine torque in Newton metres (N·m), while many American manufacturers use foot-pounds (lb-ft). Converting between these units makes it easier to compare engines, motorcycles, electric motors, industrial machinery, and workshop specifications regardless of where they were produced.

Torque Units Explained

Different countries and industries use different torque units. This calculator supports the four units most commonly found in vehicle specifications, workshop manuals, engineering drawings, and torque wrench settings.

• Newton metres (N·m) – The official SI unit used throughout Europe, Australia, and most engineering standards.
• Foot-pounds (lb-ft) – Widely used in the United States and Canada for engine torque, dyno charts, towing specifications, and automotive publications.
• Pound-inches (lb-in) – Used for smaller fasteners, electrical equipment, bicycles, motorcycles, and precision engineering.
• Kilogram-force metres (kg·m) – Common in older workshop manuals, agricultural machinery, and some Asian vehicle specifications.

Torque Conversion Formula

The following formulas are used by this calculator:

• lb-ft = N·m × 0.737562
• N·m = lb-ft × 1.35582
• lb-in = N·m × 8.85075
• kg·m = N·m × 0.101972

All calculations use internationally recognised conversion constants and are rounded only for display purposes.

Official Torque Conversion Factors

This calculator uses internationally recognised conversion constants for accurate and consistent results.

• 1 N·m = 0.737562 lb-ft
• 1 N·m = 8.85075 lb-in
• 1 N·m = 0.101972 kg·m
• 1 lb-ft = 1.35582 N·m
• 1 lb-ft = 12 lb-in
• 1 kg·m = 9.80665 N·m

Common Torque Conversions

Newton metres	Foot-pounds
100 N·m	73.76 lb-ft
200 N·m	147.51 lb-ft
300 N·m	221.27 lb-ft
400 N·m	295.02 lb-ft
500 N·m	368.78 lb-ft
600 N·m	442.54 lb-ft
700 N·m	516.29 lb-ft
800 N·m	590.05 lb-ft
900 N·m	663.81 lb-ft
1000 N·m	737.56 lb-ft

Worked Examples

Convert 850 N·m to Foot-pounds

Multiply the torque value by 0.737562:

850 × 0.737562 = 626.93 lb-ft

Convert 600 Foot-pounds to Newton Metres

Multiply by 1.35582:

600 × 1.35582 = 813.49 N·m

Real-World Torque Examples

To help put torque values into perspective, here are some typical figures for different types of vehicles.

Vehicle Type	Typical Torque
Small petrol hatchback	120–200 N·m
Family SUV	250–450 N·m
Turbo diesel car	350–600 N·m
Sports car	450–700 N·m
Supercar	600–1200 N·m
Electric vehicle	300–1000+ N·m
Heavy-duty pickup truck	900–1400 N·m

Actual torque varies depending on engine size, turbocharging, electric motors, gearing, and manufacturer specifications.

Where Torque Conversion Is Used

Torque conversions are required in many industries and everyday applications, including:

• Vehicle engine specifications
• Car and motorcycle tuning
• Engine dyno testing
• Torque wrench settings
• Wheel nut tightening specifications
• Mechanical engineering
• Industrial machinery maintenance
• Electric motor design
• Manufacturing and production equipment
• Aviation and marine engineering

Torque vs Horsepower

Torque and horsepower are closely related but measure different aspects of performance. Torque measures twisting force, while horsepower measures how quickly that force can perform work. High torque improves pulling power, towing capability, and acceleration at lower engine speeds, whereas horsepower has a greater influence on top speed and performance at higher RPM.

Why Different Countries Use Different Torque Units

Most countries now use the International System of Units (SI), making Newton metres (N·m) the standard measurement for torque. However, the United States and Canada continue to use foot-pounds (lb-ft) for most automotive specifications. As a result, people often need to convert between the two when comparing vehicles, reading workshop manuals, or watching dyno tests from different countries.

You can also use this converter to convert in the opposite direction, including lb-ft to N·m, lb-in to N·m, and kg·m to N·m. Simply enter your value, select the starting unit, and all equivalent torque values are calculated instantly.

Common Torque Conversion Mistakes

• Confusing lb-ft with lb-in. One foot-pound equals twelve pound-inches.
• Mixing torque with energy. Although both may use similar wording, torque and energy represent different physical quantities.
• Using rounded conversion factors when precise engineering values are required.
• Comparing engine torque figures without checking whether they are quoted in N·m or lb-ft.
• Assuming higher torque always means a faster vehicle. Acceleration also depends on horsepower, gearing, vehicle weight, and traction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lb-ft the same as foot-pounds?

Yes. The abbreviation lb-ft represents foot-pounds of torque and is the standard notation used in automotive specifications. Dyno operators and mechanics commonly say "foot-pounds" when discussing engine torque.

Is torque the same as horsepower?

No. Torque measures rotational force, while horsepower measures how quickly work is performed. An engine can produce high torque at low engine speeds and high horsepower at higher RPM.

Why do torque wrenches sometimes use lb-in instead of lb-ft?

Small bolts require much lower tightening forces. Using pound-inches provides greater precision than expressing the same value in foot-pounds.

How accurate is this torque converter?

All calculations use internationally recognised conversion factors and are suitable for engineering calculations, automotive specifications, workshop use, educational purposes, and general everyday conversions.

About This Torque Converter

This torque converter is designed for automotive enthusiasts, mechanics, engineers, students, and anyone who needs quick and reliable torque conversions. It instantly converts between Newton metres (N·m), foot-pounds (lb-ft), pound-inches (lb-in), and kilogram-force metres (kg·m) using internationally recognised conversion constants.

All calculations are performed instantly in your browser without sending your data anywhere, making the converter fast, accurate, and easy to use on desktop and mobile devices.

✔ Free • ✔ Fast • ✔ No signup required • ✔ No DATA collected

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