Torque Converter - Free Online Tool

Convert torque units instantly. Support for 4+ units including Newton Meter, Foot Pound, Inch Pound. Free calculator with formula and conversion table.

🔧 Torque Converter

Select your units from the lists below

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From Unit

Newton Meter
Symbol: N⋅m

Foot Pound
Symbol: ft⋅lb

Inch Pound
Symbol: in⋅lb

Kilogram Meter
Symbol: kg⋅m

To Unit

Newton Meter
Symbol: N⋅m

Foot Pound
Symbol: ft⋅lb

Inch Pound
Symbol: in⋅lb

Kilogram Meter
Symbol: kg⋅m

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🔧 Torque Converter

Torque measurements appear in automotive engineering, mechanical design, and industrial applications. Convert between newton-meters, foot-pounds, inch-pounds, and other torque units instantly. Whether you're working on engine design, fastener assembly, or mechanical systems, our converter handles the calculations.

🔧 About Torque

Torque measures the rotational force applied to an object—the tendency of a force to cause rotation around an axis. In the International System of Units (SI), torque is measured in newton-meters (N⋅m), defined as the product of force and the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation. From automotive engineering and mechanical design to many industrial applications, torque measurements are used everywhere. Different regions use different units. The metric system (newton-meters) dominates global science and most countries, while the imperial system (foot-pounds, inch-pounds) remains common in the United States for automotive and mechanical applications. Working with all these units helps with international engineering projects, equipment specification, and mechanical design.

Understanding Torque Measurement

Torque is a measure of rotational force, representing the tendency of a force to cause an object to rotate around an axis. In the International System of Units (SI), torque is measured in newton-meters (N⋅m), a derived unit defined as the product of a force (newton) and the perpendicular distance (meter) from the axis of rotation to the point where the force is applied. Although torque has the same dimensions as energy (force times distance), the SI convention explicitly states that the joule is never used to express torque. This distinction is important because torque is a vector quantity (moment of force) while energy is a scalar. One newton-meter of torque is produced when a force of one newton is applied perpendicularly at a distance of one meter from the axis of rotation.

📜 History & Context

The history of torque measurement dates back to ancient times, when people understood the principle of levers and rotational forces. Archimedes analyzed levers in the 3rd century BCE, observing that equal weights at different distances from a pivot could balance if the distances were inversely proportional to the weights. This early understanding of moments of force laid the foundation for modern torque measurement. The modern concept of torque was formalized in the early 19th century. The term "moment of a force" appeared in works like Poisson's Traité de mécanique (1811), describing the rotational effect of forces. The word "torque" itself was first used in print in 1884 by Silvanus P. Thompson in his work on dynamo-electric machinery, though James Thomson had suggested the term earlier. The standardization of torque units came with the development of the metric system and the International System of Units. The newton-meter was established as the SI unit for torque, while foot-pounds and inch-pounds remained in use in countries using imperial units. Today, torque measurement benefits from precise standards maintained by institutions like NIST, which has developed electronic torque realizers traceable to fundamental constants.

✨ Fun Facts

• The concept of torque dates back to Archimedes, who analyzed levers and understood that equal weights at different distances from a pivot could balance through the principle of moments.
• The word "torque" was first used in print in 1884 by Silvanus P. Thompson, though the concept had been formalized earlier as "moment of a force" in the 19th century.
• Although torque and energy have the same dimensions (force times distance), the SI convention explicitly states that the joule is never used to express torque, maintaining a clear distinction between rotational force and energy.
• One foot-pound of torque equals approximately 1.356 newton-meters, while one newton-meter equals about 0.738 foot-pounds.
• NIST has developed electronic torque realizers that measure torque using electromagnetic principles traceable to quantum electrical standards, rather than relying on mechanical artifacts.

💡 Real-World Examples

• Automotive engineering: Engine torque output, transmission systems, and drivetrain components are measured in newton-meters or foot-pounds. Converting between units helps with international vehicle standards and performance analysis.
• Fastener assembly: Bolts, screws, and fasteners must be tightened to specific torque values measured in various units. Converting between units helps with proper assembly and safety compliance.
• Mechanical design: Motor specifications, gear systems, and rotating machinery measure torque in different units. Converting between units helps with equipment selection and international standards.
• Robotics and automation: Robotic arms and automated systems measure torque for force control and precision manipulation. Converting between units helps with system integration and programming.
• Wind energy: Wind turbine blades and gearboxes produce large torques measured in various units. Converting between units helps with design optimization and international equipment standards.
• Aerospace engineering: Aircraft engines, propellers, and rotor systems measure torque in different units. Converting between units helps with performance analysis and international aviation standards.
• Industrial manufacturing: Production equipment and machinery measure torque for process control. Converting between units helps with equipment specification and international standards.
• Electric power steering: Modern vehicles use torque sensors to detect steering effort, with measurements in various units. Converting between units helps with system design and international compatibility.

🔧 Common Applications

• Automotive engineering: Engine design, transmission systems, and vehicle performance analysis measure torque in various units. Converting between units helps with international standards and equipment compatibility.
• Mechanical engineering: Machine design, fastener assembly, and rotating machinery measure torque in different units. Converting between units helps with proper specification and safety compliance.
• Industrial automation: Manufacturing equipment, robotics, and automated systems measure torque for process control. Converting between units helps with system integration and international standards.
• Energy systems: Wind turbines, generators, and power transmission systems measure torque in various units. Converting between units helps with design optimization and international equipment standards.
• Aerospace and marine: Aircraft engines, propellers, and marine propulsion systems measure torque in different units. Converting between units helps with performance analysis and international standards.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

+ How do I convert newton-meters to foot-pounds?

To convert newton-meters (N·m) to foot-pounds (ft·lb), multiply the newton-meter value by 0.737562. For example, 100 N·m equals approximately 73.76 ft·lb, and 50 N·m equals approximately 36.88 ft·lb.

+ What is torque and how is it different from power?

Torque is a rotational force that causes rotation, measured in newton-meters or foot-pounds. Power is the rate at which work is done, measured in watts or horsepower. Power equals torque multiplied by rotational speed. High torque at low speed provides strong acceleration, while high power at high speed provides high top speed.

+ How do I convert foot-pounds to newton-meters?

To convert foot-pounds (ft·lb) to newton-meters (N·m), multiply the foot-pound value by 1.35582. For example, 100 ft·lb equals approximately 135.58 N·m, and 50 ft·lb equals approximately 67.79 N·m.

+ What is the difference between newton-meters and pound-feet?

Newton-meters (N·m) and pound-feet (lb·ft) are both units of torque. One pound-foot equals approximately 1.35582 newton-meters. Newton-meters are used in the metric system, while pound-feet are used in the imperial system, particularly in the United States for automotive applications.

+ How do I convert inch-pounds to newton-meters?

To convert inch-pounds (in·lb) to newton-meters (N·m), multiply the inch-pound value by 0.112985. For example, 100 in·lb equals approximately 11.30 N·m, and 50 in·lb equals approximately 5.65 N·m. Inch-pounds are commonly used for smaller torque values.