🔩 Torque Converter

Convert between common torque units. This tool supports Newton-meters, kilonewton-meters, dyne-centimeters, kilogram-force-meters, pound-force-feet, ounce-force-inches and more — 15 units in total for engineering, mechanical, and automotive use.

Torque Converter Tool

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Note: SI-based units (N·m, kN·m, etc.) are precise. Imperial units use defined constants (1 lbf = 4.4482216152605 N, 1 in = 0.0254 m).

Torque converter — units, formulas and practical guidance

Torque is the moment of force: the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis. It’s fundamental in mechanics, automotive engineering, bolting specifications, and machine design. This converter helps you switch quickly between torque units used across fields — from Newton-meters in engineering to pound-feet used in automotive workshops.

Why accurate torque conversion matters

Using the wrong torque unit (or a wrong value) can lead to under- or over-tightening bolts, poorly tuned machinery, or incorrect engineering calculations. This tool reduces conversion mistakes by using N·m as the canonical unit and precise conversion constants for imperial and non-SI units.

Included units and definitions

  • Newton-meter (N·m) — SI unit of torque.
  • Kilonewton-meter (kN·m) — 1 kN·m = 1,000 N·m.
  • Meganewton-meter (MN·m) — 1 MN·m = 1,000,000 N·m (used for very large engineering moments).
  • Millinewton-meter (mN·m) — 1 mN·m = 0.001 N·m (small torques in instruments).
  • Micronewton-meter (µN·m) — very small torques in precision instruments.
  • Dyne-centimetre (dyn·cm) — cgs unit: 1 dyn·cm = 1×10⁻⁷ N·m.
  • Kilogram-force metre (kgf·m) — 1 kgf = 9.80665 N, so 1 kgf·m = 9.80665 N·m.
  • Kilogram-force centimetre (kgf·cm) — 0.0980665 N·m.
  • Gram-force centimetre (gf·cm) — 9.80665×10⁻⁵ N·m.
  • Gram-force metre (gf·m) — 0.00980665 N·m (useful for small mechanical instruments).
  • Pound-force foot (lbf·ft) — 1 lbf·ft ≈ 1.3558179483314003 N·m (common in US automotive torque specs).
  • Pound-force inch (lbf·in) — 1 lbf·in ≈ 0.11298482902761668 N·m.
  • Ounce-force inch (ozf·in) — 1 ozf·in ≈ 0.007061551814226043 N·m (used for small fasteners and electronics).
  • Ounce-force foot (ozf·ft) — 1 ozf·ft ≈ 0.08473862177071252 N·m.
  • Newton-centimetre (N·cm) — 1 N·cm = 0.01 N·m (handy for small torque specs).

Conversion approach

Internally this converter transforms the input unit into N·m using the appropriate factor, then converts N·m to the requested target unit. This two-step approach reduces rounding and chaining errors.

Practical examples

Example 1 — Automotive torque: A wheel nut specification calls for 80 lbf·ft. Convert to N·m:

80 × 1.3558179483314003 = 108.46543586651202 N·m (≈ 108.465 N·m).

Example 2 — Small electronics: A potentiometer requires 6 ozf·in torque. Convert to N·m:

6 × 0.007061551814226043 ≈ 0.042369311 N·m.

Example 3 — Bolt tightening: A spec says 10 kgf·m (rare — very large). Convert to N·m:

10 × 9.80665 = 98.0665 N·m.

Best practices

  • Use the unit in the specification: If a torque wrench shows lbf·ft, use that when setting torque rather than converting on the fly — or convert precisely before setting.
  • Round sensibly: Keep engineering precision (usually 2–3 significant digits for torque specs). Tools should show the final rounded number, but store calculations in full precision.
  • Temperature & friction: Real torque-to-clamp force relationships depend on thread friction and lubrication — torque alone doesn’t guarantee bolt preload.

FAQ

Why do mechanics use lbf·ft while engineers use N·m?

Imperial/US customary systems historically use pound-force and feet; SI-based engineering uses Newtons and meters. Both are valid — conversions are precise if constants are used correctly.

What is the difference between lbf·in and ozf·in?

1 lbf·in = 16 ozf·in (because 1 lbf = 16 ozf). Their N·m equivalents differ by the same factor.

Are torque and moment the same?

Yes — in mechanics, torque and moment both describe the turning effect of a force about a point.

Conclusion

This Torque Converter offers precise, engineer-grade conversions between a broad set of torque units. Use it for automotive service, mechanical design, lab instrumentation, and electronics assembly. Bookmark for quick access when converting torque values between metric and imperial systems.