Torque Converter
Instantly convert between Nm, lb-ft, kgf·m, and in-lb. Used by mechanics, engineers, and car enthusiasts worldwide.
0.7376 lb-ft
1 lb-ft = 1.3558 Nm
1 Nm = 0.10197 kgf·m
1 Nm = 8.8507 in-lb
What Is Torque?
Torque is the rotational equivalent of linear force. In simple terms, it is the twisting force that causes an object to rotate around an axis. When you tighten a bolt with a wrench, the force you apply multiplied by the length of the wrench arm is the torque you are generating. When a car engine produces power, it does so by generating torque at the crankshaft, which then transfers through the transmission to turn the wheels.
The standard SI unit of torque is the Newton-meter (Nm). One Newton-meter is the torque produced by a force of one Newton applied at a perpendicular distance of one meter from the pivot point. In the United States, torque is most commonly expressed in pound-feet (lb-ft), which is the torque from a force of one pound applied at one foot from the pivot.
Why do we need to convert torque units?
The need to convert between torque units arises constantly in automotive work, mechanical engineering, and everyday maintenance. A European car manual may specify a cylinder head bolt torque of 120 Nm, but your American torque wrench is calibrated in lb-ft. A Japanese motorcycle service guide may list values in the older kgf·m unit. Bicycle components often specify torque in Nm while some tools still show in-lb. Without accurate conversion, you risk under-tightening (which causes fasteners to loosen) or over-tightening (which can strip threads or crack components).
How to Convert Nm to lb-ft
The most common conversion in automotive work is between Newton-meters and pound-feet. The exact conversion factor is derived from the definitions of the Newton, the pound-force, the meter, and the foot:
Formula: lb-ft = Nm × 0.73756
For quick mental math, many mechanics use the approximation of multiplying by 0.74 or dividing by 1.36. While not perfectly precise, this is accurate enough for most practical applications. For example, a common engine bolt torque spec of 80 Nm is approximately 59 lb-ft (80 × 0.7376 = 59.01 lb-ft).
Converting lb-ft back to Nm
To go from pound-feet to Newton-meters, you multiply by 1.35582. So if an American repair manual says to tighten a suspension bolt to 150 lb-ft, that is 203.4 Nm (150 × 1.35582). This is essential when you have a metric torque wrench but an American spec sheet.
Understanding kgf·m (Kilogram-Force Meters)
The kilogram-force meter is an older unit still found in Japanese and Korean vehicle service manuals produced before the 1990s. It is based on the kilogram-force, which is the force exerted by gravity on a one-kilogram mass at standard Earth gravity (9.80665 m/s²). Therefore, 1 kgf·m = 9.80665 Nm. This means kgf·m values are always roughly 10 times smaller than Nm values for the same torque.
If you are restoring a vintage Japanese motorcycle or working with older industrial machinery, you may encounter kgf·m specs. Simply multiply by 9.80665 to get the equivalent Newton-meter value.
Inch-Pounds (in-lb) — For Small Fasteners
Inch-pounds are used when torque values are very small — typically for electronics, bicycle components, small engine parts, and optical equipment. One pound-foot equals exactly 12 inch-pounds. So if a spec calls for 36 in-lb, that is 3 lb-ft or approximately 4.07 Nm. Spark plug torque specs, for example, are sometimes listed in in-lb because the values are too small to express meaningfully in lb-ft.
Torque Conversion Table
The table below covers the most common torque values used in automotive and mechanical applications, from small fasteners (10 Nm) to heavy truck engine bolts (500 Nm).
| Nm | lb-ft | kgf·m | in-lb |
|---|
Frequently Asked Questions
To convert Newton-meters (Nm) to pound-feet (lb-ft), multiply the Nm value by 0.7376. For example, 100 Nm equals 73.76 lb-ft. This conversion is used frequently in automotive repair when comparing European and American torque specifications. You can use the tool above to convert any value instantly.
Both Nm (Newton-meters) and lb-ft (pound-feet) measure torque — the rotational force applied to an object. Nm is the metric (SI) unit used in Europe and most of the world, while lb-ft is the imperial unit used primarily in the United States. 1 Nm equals approximately 0.7376 lb-ft, and 1 lb-ft equals approximately 1.3558 Nm. Neither is more accurate — they are simply different measurement systems.
400 Nm equals approximately 295.02 lb-ft. This torque figure is common in mid-size diesel engines and performance petrol cars. To calculate: 400 × 0.7376 = 295.02 lb-ft. Many popular SUVs and sports cars produce torque in the 350–450 Nm range.
To convert pound-feet (lb-ft) to Newton-meters (Nm), multiply the lb-ft value by 1.3558. For example, 200 lb-ft equals 271.16 Nm. This conversion is essential when using American torque specs with a metric torque wrench, which is a common situation when working on American-market vehicles in countries that use metric tools.
Kilogram-force meter (kgf·m) is an older metric unit of torque still used in some Asian markets, particularly in older Japanese and Korean car manuals. 1 kgf·m equals 9.80665 Nm. So to convert kgf·m to Nm, multiply by 9.80665. For example, 10 kgf·m equals 98.07 Nm. If you find kgf·m in a vintage vehicle service manual, use the converter above to get the modern Nm equivalent.
Inch-pounds (in-lb) are used for very small torque values, typically for small fasteners, electronic components, bicycle components, and precision instruments. 1 lb-ft equals 12 in-lb. For example, spark plug torque specs for some engines are given in in-lb rather than lb-ft because the values are so small. If a spec says 60 in-lb, that is 5 lb-ft or about 6.78 Nm.