How this torque converter works
Torque is a twisting force — how hard something is turned about a pivot — and it equals the force applied multiplied by the distance from the axis. It turns up as the newton-metres on an engine spec, the foot-pounds on a lug-nut torque chart, and the inch-pounds on a small-fastener label. They all measure the same quantity on different scales. To convert accurately between them, this tool turns whatever you type into a single base unit — the newton-metre — and then expresses that base value in every other unit. Converting through a base avoids the rounding errors that creep in when you chain conversions one after another.
The exact factors used (each expressed in newton-metres) are: 1 N·cm = 0.01 N·m, 1 kgf·m = 9.80665 N·m, 1 ft·lb = 1.355817948 N·m, 1 in·lb = 0.112984829 N·m, and 1 oz·in = 0.00706155 N·m. The most-searched pairing — newton-metres to foot-pounds — is highlighted at the top so you can read it at a glance.
Common conversions
| From | Equals |
|---|---|
| 1 foot-pound (ft·lb) | 1.3558 newton-metres (N·m) |
| 1 newton-metre (N·m) | 0.7376 foot-pounds (ft·lb) |
| 1 foot-pound (ft·lb) | 12 inch-pounds (in·lb) |
| 1 kilogram-force metre (kgf·m) | 9.80665 newton-metres (N·m) |
| 1 inch-pound (in·lb) | 16 inch-ounces (oz·in) |
Reference note: a foot-pound is the imperial torque unit (1.355817948 N·m) and should not be confused with the inch-pound, which is twelve times smaller. Results are rounded for readability.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I convert Nm to ft-lbs?
- Divide newton-metres by 1.355817948 to get foot-pounds, or multiply by about 0.73756. For example, 100 N·m ÷ 1.355818 ≈ 73.76 ft·lb. This converter shows the result the instant you type a value.
- What is torque?
- Torque is a rotational, or twisting, force — how hard something is turned about a pivot. It is the force applied multiplied by the distance from the axis, which is why the SI unit is the newton-metre (N·m): one newton of force acting one metre from the centre.
- How many Nm in a ft-lb?
- One foot-pound equals 1.355817948 newton-metres, usually rounded to 1.356 N·m. So a torque of 1 ft·lb ≈ 1.356 N·m, and to go from foot-pounds to newton-metres you multiply by 1.355818.
- What is the difference between in-lb and ft-lb?
- Both are imperial torque units. One foot-pound (ft·lb) equals twelve inch-pounds (in·lb) because a foot is twelve inches. Inch-pounds are used for small fasteners and electronics, foot-pounds for larger bolts such as lug nuts and engine parts.
- Why does torque matter for bolts and cars?
- Fasteners are designed to be tightened to a specific torque so they clamp correctly without stripping or snapping. Under-torquing lets a bolt work loose; over-torquing can shear it. Spec sheets often mix N·m, ft·lb and in·lb, so converting accurately keeps your torque wrench on target.
- How do I convert ft-lb to Nm?
- Multiply foot-pounds by 1.355817948 to get newton-metres. For example, 80 ft·lb × 1.355818 ≈ 108.47 N·m. To go the other way, divide newton-metres by 1.355818 (or multiply by about 0.73756).