Torque Converter
Convert between newton-meters, pound-feet, and pound-inches.
Comment ça marche
This converter handles torque â a rotational or twisting force â across newton-meters, pound-feet, and pound-inches, converting your value to newton-meters (the SI base unit) first, then from newton-meters into your target unit.
Torque is calculated as force multiplied by the distance from the pivot point (lever arm length) at which that force is applied: torque = force Ă distance. This is why a longer wrench makes it easier to loosen a stubborn bolt â the same amount of hand force applied further from the pivot produces more torque.
Newton-meters (N·m) are the standard scientific and metric unit, combining the newton (force) and meter (distance) directly. Pound-feet (lb·ft) is the equivalent US customary unit, combining pound-force and feet â 1 lb·ft â 1.356 N·m.
Pound-inches (lb·in) is a smaller US customary unit, used when the torque values involved are small enough that pound-feet would be an inconveniently large unit â 1 lb·ft equals 12 lb·in, following the same 12-inches-per-foot relationship as linear length measurement.
Torque specifications appear constantly in mechanical and automotive contexts: engine torque ratings, wheel lug nut tightening specifications, and furniture or appliance assembly instructions all specify a target torque value, usually to ensure a fastener is tight enough to hold securely without being over-tightened to the point of stripping or damage.
Torque and work/energy share the same unit dimensions (force Ă distance) but represent different physical concepts â torque describes a rotational tendency to cause spinning, while energy (also measured in newton-meters, called joules in that context) describes the capacity to do work; the distinction is in how the force and distance relate geometrically to each other.
In practice, torque wrenches use a calibrated mechanism to let a user apply and stop at a precise torque value, rather than relying on "feel" â this precision matters most for critical fasteners (engine components, wheel lug nuts, structural bolts) where both under- and over-tightening carry meaningful safety or reliability risk.
How many newton-meters are in 1 pound-foot?
1 lb·ft â 1.356 N·m.
How is torque calculated?
Torque equals force multiplied by the distance from the pivot point (lever arm) at which the force is applied â a longer lever arm produces more torque from the same applied force.
How many pound-inches are in 1 pound-foot?
12 pound-inches equal 1 pound-foot, following the same 12-inches-per-foot relationship used for linear length.
Why do car specifications list engine torque separately from horsepower?
Torque describes the engine's rotational twisting force (important for acceleration and towing), while horsepower describes the rate at which work is done â the two measure related but distinct aspects of engine performance.
Why does a longer wrench make it easier to loosen a bolt?
Torque equals force times distance from the pivot, so a longer wrench lets the same hand force applied further from the bolt produce more torque without needing to push or pull harder.
Why are torque specifications important when assembling furniture or tightening bolts?
Under-tightening risks a loose connection, while over-tightening can strip threads or damage the fastener or material â a specified torque value ensures the correct amount of clamping force.
Is torque the same thing as energy, since both use newton-meters?
No â despite sharing the same unit dimensions (force Ă distance), torque describes a rotational twisting tendency, while energy (called joules in that context) describes capacity to do work; they represent different physical concepts.
Can I convert between more than two torque units at once?
Yes â the "Quick reference" table below the main converter shows your entered value converted into every other supported torque unit simultaneously.
Why use a calibrated torque wrench instead of tightening by feel?
A calibrated wrench stops at a precise, repeatable torque value, removing guesswork â critical for fasteners where under- or over-tightening carries real safety or reliability risk.
What happens if a critical bolt is over-tightened beyond its torque spec?
It risks stripping the threads, damaging the fastener or surrounding material, or creating excess stress that can lead to premature failure â exactly what proper torque specifications are designed to prevent.