Torque Converter
Torque is a rotational force that measures the tendency to rotate an object around an axis, fundamental to understanding engines, tools, and mechanical equipment. The SI unit is the newton-metre (N.m), representing one newton of force applied one metre from the rotation axis. The imperial unit, pound-force foot (lbf.ft), equals about 1.356 newton-metres and is standard in the United States for engine specifications and tool ratings. Metric countries use newton-metres, kilonewton-metres for large applications, and sometimes kilogram-force metres. Smaller torque values use newton-centimetres or dyne-centimetres. Imperial countries also use pound-force inches for smaller values. Converting between these units is essential when comparing engine torque specifications, evaluating tool specifications, or understanding fastener requirements. An engine rated at 300 foot-pounds of torque delivers about 407 newton-metres. This calculator displays eight torque units for instant conversion with NIST-defined precision.
NIST conversion factors
All conversions below use standard NIST-defined factors, with all units expressed relative to the newton-metre.
| Unit | Symbol | Newton-metres |
|---|---|---|
| Newton-metre | N.m | 1 |
| Kilonewton-metre | kN.m | 1,000 |
| Dyne-centimetre | dyn.cm | 0.0000001 |
| Pound-force inch | lbf.in | 0.112985 |
| Pound-force foot | lbf.ft | 1.355818 |
| Kilogram-force metre | kgf.m | 9.80665 |
| Ounce-force inch | ozf.in | 0.00706155 |
| Newton-centimetre | N.cm | 0.01 |
Torque converter: frequently asked questions
What is torque?
Torque is a rotational force, the tendency of a force to rotate an object around an axis. It is calculated as force multiplied by the perpendicular distance from the axis. The SI unit is the newton-metre (N.m), equivalent to applying one newton of force one metre from the pivot point.
What is the SI unit of torque?
The newton-metre (N.m) is the SI unit of torque. One newton-metre is the torque produced by a one-newton force applied one metre from the rotation axis. In vehicle specifications, engines often list torque in newton-metres or kilonewton-metres.
What is pound-force foot?
Pound-force foot (lbf.ft) is an imperial unit equal to about 1.356 newton-metres. It represents the torque from a one-pound-force applied one foot from the rotation axis. US vehicle manuals often specify torque in pound-force feet (ft.lbf).
How precise are these conversions?
These use NIST-defined conversions. All conversions are exact powers and mathematically precise to two decimal places.
Why would I need to convert torque units?
Different countries and industries use different torque units. Metric regions use newton-metres. The US uses pound-force feet. Converting is essential when comparing engine specifications, tool ratings, or mechanical equipment from different sources.
Official sources
- NIST Handbook 44: Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices.
- NIST Special Publication 330: The International System of Units.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.