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Torque Converter

Convert torque units

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Last Updated: March 2, 2026
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6 torque units

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The spec says 25 Newton-meters. Your torque wrench shows foot-pounds. The engine dyno reads lb-ft but the import manual uses kg-m. The fastener specification is in inch-pounds but you're thinking in Nm.

Torque units vary by industry and country. Automotive often uses lb-ft in the US, Nm elsewhere. Small fasteners use inch-pounds. Understanding the actual force is critical for proper assembly.

What is Torque Conversion?

Torque is rotational force—the tendency to cause rotation around an axis. It's measured as force times distance from the pivot point. Different systems use different units based on their force and length standards.

Key conversions:

1 Newton-meter (Nm) = 0.7376 ft-lb
1 foot-pound (ft-lb) = 1.3558 Nm
1 inch-pound (in-lb) = 0.0833 ft-lb = 0.113 Nm
1 kg-m = 9.807 Nm = 7.233 ft-lb
1 kg-cm = 0.0981 Nm
Nm Is the SI Standard

Newton-meters are the international standard. Most modern specifications use Nm, but legacy and US specs often use ft-lb or in-lb.

Why People Actually Need This Tool

Wrong Torque = Failure

Under-torque: fasteners loosen. Over-torque: bolts stretch or break. Proper torque is critical for safety and reliability.

  1. Automotive repair — Follow manufacturer torque specifications.

  2. Bicycle maintenance — Critical for carbon fiber components.

  3. Industrial assembly — Match tool calibration to specs.

  4. Engineering design — Convert between specification standards.

  5. Import vehicles — Convert between metric and imperial specs.

  6. DIY projects — Understand torque requirements properly.

  7. Tool selection — Match torque wrench range to application.

How to Use the Torque Converter

  1. Enter torque value — The specification you need to convert.

  2. Select from unit — Your source unit.

  3. Select to unit — Your target unit.

  4. View conversion — Exact equivalent in desired units.

UnitSymbolCommon Use
Newton-meterNmMetric standard, modern specs
Foot-poundft-lbUS automotive, heavy industry
Inch-poundin-lbSmall fasteners, precision work
Kilogram-meterkg-mOlder metric specifications
Kilogram-cmkg-cmSmall motors, hobby servos
Ounce-inchoz-inPrecision instruments, electronics
Don't Confuse lb-ft and ft-lb

These are sometimes used interchangeably (both mean foot-pounds of torque), but be careful not to confuse with lb-ft² (moment of inertia) or ft-lb of work/energy.

Real-World Use Cases

1. The Wheel Lug Nuts

Context: Torque spec: 100 ft-lb. Using Nm-calibrated wrench.

Problem: What setting in Nm?

Solution: 100 ft-lb × 1.3558 = 135.6 Nm.

Outcome: Wheel lugs properly torqued with metric wrench.

2. The Spark Plug

Context: Spark plug spec: 18-21 Nm. Wrench shows ft-lb.

Problem: Convert to ft-lb range?

Solution: 18-21 Nm = 13.3-15.5 ft-lb.

Outcome: Spark plugs torqued without stripping threads.

3. The Bicycle Stem

Context: Carbon handlebar: "Max torque 5 Nm." Using inch-pound wrench.

Problem: What's 5 Nm in inch-pounds?

Solution: 5 Nm ÷ 0.113 = 44.3 in-lb.

Outcome: Carbon fiber not cracked from over-torque.

4. The Old Manual

Context: Vintage car manual specifies 4 kg-m for head bolts.

Problem: Convert to modern Nm specification?

Solution: 4 kg-m × 9.807 = 39.2 Nm.

Outcome: Proper torque applied using modern wrench.

5. The RC Servo

Context: Servo rated at 15 kg-cm. Need Nm for comparison.

Problem: What's that in standard units?

Solution: 15 kg-cm × 0.0981 = 1.47 Nm.

Outcome: Servo torque compared to requirements.

6. The Industrial Fastener

Context: M10 bolt spec: 50 Nm. American torque wrench in ft-lb.

Problem: Setting for American tool?

Solution: 50 Nm × 0.7376 = 36.9 ft-lb.

Outcome: Bolt properly torqued with available tool.

7. The Engine Dyno

Context: Dyno shows 280 lb-ft peak torque. Comparing to metric specs.

Problem: What's that in Nm?

Solution: 280 ft-lb × 1.3558 = 380 Nm.

Outcome: Meaningful comparison to metric engine specifications.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Small Errors, Big Problems

10% torque error can mean the difference between secure and loose, or intact and broken.

Confusing ft-lb and in-lb
❌ The Mistake
Setting wrench to 30 when spec says 30 in-lb but wrench shows ft-lb.
✅ The Fix
30 in-lb = 2.5 ft-lb. A 12× difference. Always verify units on spec AND tool.
Using kg-force Without Knowing
❌ The Mistake
Treating kg-m as if kg were mass when it's actually kg-force (kgf).
✅ The Fix
Torque specs use kg-force (weight), not kg mass. Conversion includes gravity factor.
Rounding Too Much
❌ The Mistake
Converting 25 Nm to "about 18 ft-lb" and using 20 (12% error).
✅ The Fix
25 Nm = 18.4 ft-lb. Use exact conversion and round to tool's resolution.
Not Accounting for Wrench Accuracy
❌ The Mistake
Targeting exact spec when wrench is ±4% accurate.
✅ The Fix
Account for tool accuracy. If ±4% could cause problems, the spec range is too tight.
Assuming Torque = Tightness
❌ The Mistake
Using same torque on dry vs lubricated threads—very different clamping force.
✅ The Fix
Torque specs assume specific conditions. Lubrication changes friction, changing actual clamping.

Privacy and Data Handling

This Torque Converter operates entirely in your browser.

  • No calculations are sent to any server.
  • No data is stored.
  • No account required.
  • Works completely offline.

Your mechanical data stays private.

Conclusion

Torque conversion is essential whenever specifications and tools use different units. Wrong torque causes failures—loose fasteners or broken bolts—both with potentially serious consequences.

This converter handles all common torque units accurately. Enter any torque specification, get the equivalent in your tool's units, tighten with confidence.

The right torque makes the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions