Torque Converter
Convert Newton-metres to pound-force feet and kgf·m — plus lbf·in and N·cm — instantly. Type any value to update every field at once.
- 1 N·m = 0.737562 lbf·ft; 1 lbf·ft = 1.35582 N·m. Multiply N·m by 0.7376 for pound-force feet.
- 1 kgf·m = 9.80665 N·m. Multiply older kgf·m figures by 9.807 to modernise them.
- 12 lbf·in = 1 lbf·ft; 1 lbf·in = 0.112985 N·m. Inch-pounds are used for small fasteners.
- UK wheel nuts: 85–130 N·m (63–96 lbf·ft). Always confirm the figure in your handbook.
- Torque = force × distance from the pivot. Same units as a bending moment (N·m).
| From | To Newton-metres (N·m) | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Newton-metre (N·m) | 1 N·m | SI standard — automotive, engineering |
| 1 Kilonewton-metre (kN·m) | 1,000 N·m | Heavy machinery, structural connections |
| 1 Pound-force foot (lbf·ft) | 1.35582 N·m | US workshop manuals, engine specs |
| 1 Pound-force inch (lbf·in) | 0.112985 N·m | Small fasteners, electronics |
| 1 Kilogram-force metre (kgf·m) | 9.80665 N·m | European engineering, older manuals |
| 1 Kilogram-force centimetre (kgf·cm) | 0.0980665 N·m | Small assemblies, servo motors |
| 1 Ounce-force inch (ozf·in) | 0.00706155 N·m | Small motors, precision instruments |
How do you convert Newton-metres to pound-force feet?
1 Newton-metre equals 0.737562 pound-force feet, so multiply N·m by 0.737562 to get lbf·ft, or multiply lbf·ft by 1.35582 to go the other way. So 200 N·m is about 147.5 lbf·ft — a mid-range petrol engine's torque — and 100 lbf·ft is 135.6 N·m. Newton-metres are the SI unit and the UK automotive standard, while pound-force feet dominate US workshop manuals, which is why anyone servicing an American car or following a US spec needs this conversion.
Torque is a rotational force: it equals the force applied multiplied by the perpendicular distance from the pivot, written τ = F × r. That is why doubling the length of a spanner halves the force you need for the same tightening torque. To work with the force term on its own — Newtons, pound-force and kilogram-force — use the force converter.
What torque should I tighten wheel nuts to?
Most UK passenger cars require wheel nuts tightened to 85–130 N·m (63–96 lbf·ft), but the exact figure depends on stud diameter and thread pitch, so always check your vehicle handbook or workshop manual. Under-tightening lets nuts work loose; over-tightening can stretch or snap the studs — and incorrect wheel-nut torque is a leading cause of wheels coming off on UK roads. A calibrated torque wrench set to the manufacturer's figure is the only reliable way to get it right.
As a worked example you can check against the tool, type 200 into the N·m field: the converter returns 147.5122066 lbf·ft, 1770.14648 lbf·in, 20.39432426 kgf·m and 0.2 kN·m. That kind of figure — a couple of hundred Newton-metres — is typical for engine output and heavy chassis fasteners, sitting well above the 85–130 N·m used on wheel nuts.
What is the difference between N·m and kgf·m?
1 kgf·m equals 9.80665 N·m, because a kilogram-force is the weight of a 1 kg mass at standard gravity. Kilogram-force metres appear in older European and Japanese workshop manuals and some torque-wrench scales, so if your manual quotes kgf·m you multiply by 9.807 to get the modern N·m value. The related kgf·cm, used for small servo motors and precision assemblies, is a hundredth of that at 0.0980665 N·m.
How much torque do car engines produce?
A small petrol hatchback produces roughly 150–200 N·m, a mid-size diesel 300–400 N·m, and performance cars can exceed 600–700 N·m. Electric vehicles deliver their peak torque from a standstill — a Tesla Model 3 Long Range makes around 450 N·m from 0 rpm — which is why EVs feel so responsive off the line. UK manufacturers quote these figures in N·m, while US publications tend to use pound-feet, so the same engine can look like "300 N·m" or "221 lb·ft" depending on the source.
Torque conversion FAQs
Torque is measured in Newton-metres (N·m) in the SI system — the rotational equivalent of force. 1 N·m is the torque from a 1 Newton force acting at a perpendicular distance of 1 metre from the pivot.
1 Newton-metre equals 0.737562 pound-force feet, so multiply N·m by 0.737562 to get lbf·ft. To go the other way, 1 lbf·ft = 1.35582 N·m. For example, 200 N·m ≈ 147.5 lbf·ft.
Most UK passenger cars need wheel nuts tightened to 85–130 N·m (63–96 lbf·ft), but always check your handbook for the exact figure. Use a calibrated torque wrench — incorrect torque is a leading cause of wheel loss.
1 kgf·m equals 9.80665 N·m, because a kilogram-force is the weight of 1 kg at standard gravity. Kilogram-force metres appear in older European and Japanese manuals; multiply by 9.807 to convert them to N·m.
Torque and moment share the same unit (N·m) and are often used interchangeably. Strictly, torque is a twisting action about an axis, such as tightening a bolt, while a bending moment describes forces bending a structural member.
Multiply pound-force inches by 0.112985 to get Newton-metres. So 100 lbf·in = 11.30 N·m. Pound-force inches are used for small fasteners and electronics; there are 12 lbf·in in 1 lbf·ft.
A small petrol hatchback makes roughly 150–200 N·m, a mid-size diesel 300–400 N·m, and performance cars can exceed 600–700 N·m. UK manufacturers quote engine torque in N·m; US publications often use pound-feet (lb·ft).
Convert Newtons, pound-force and kgf — the force term in torque = force × distance.
Convert watts, kW, horsepower and PS — torque times rpm gives power.
Convert joules, kWh, calories and BTU — energy shares the newton-metre dimension.