Torque Unit Converter
Torque is the rotational equivalent of force: the product of a force and the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation. Engineers, mechanics, and physicists encounter torque in many different units depending on context. This converter handles the most common torque units: newton-meters (the SI unit), pound-feet and pound-inches (US customary), kilogram-force meters (metric gravitational), and dyne-centimeters (CGS). All conversion factors are exact or derived from the NIST Special Publication 811 definition that one kilogram-force equals exactly 9.80665 N.
Torque conversion factors
1 Nm = 0.737562 lb-ft = 8.85075 lb-in = 0.101972 kgf-m = 10,000,000 dyn-cm
All values are converted by first converting the input to newton-meters, then multiplying by the target unit factor. The kgf-m factor uses the exact gravitational constant g = 9.80665 m/s(2) as defined by NIST.
When to use each torque unit
- Newton-meter (Nm): Standard SI unit. Used in engineering, scientific work, and European vehicle specifications.
- Pound-foot (lb-ft): US customary unit dominant in North American automotive torque specifications.
- Pound-inch (lb-in): Used for small fasteners, bicycle components, and electronic assembly.
- Kilogram-force meter (kgf-m): Common in older Japanese and European machinery documentation.
- Dyne-centimeter (dyn-cm): CGS unit used in older physics and precision measurement contexts.
Torque unit converter: frequently asked questions
How do I convert newton-meters to pound-feet?
Multiply newton-meters by 0.737562 to get pound-feet. For example, 100 Nm equals 73.76 lb-ft. This is the standard conversion factor used in engineering and automotive work.
What is the difference between Nm and kgf-m?
A newton-meter (Nm) uses SI force units, while a kilogram-force meter (kgf-m) uses the gravitational metric system. One kgf-m equals 9.80665 Nm, because one kilogram-force equals 9.80665 newtons by NIST definition.
Why do some torque specs use lb-in instead of lb-ft?
Smaller fasteners, particularly in electronics, engines, and bicycles, require very precise low torque. Pound-inches give finer resolution for small values. One lb-ft equals 12 lb-in.
What torque units are used in automotive work?
US automotive work commonly uses pound-feet (lb-ft). European and Japanese vehicle specifications often use newton-meters (Nm). Both are widely understood and most torque wrenches show both scales.
Is dyne-centimeter a valid torque unit?
Yes. The dyne-centimeter (dyn-cm) is the CGS unit of torque. One Nm equals 10,000,000 dyn-cm. It appears in older physics texts and some precision instrumentation but has been largely superseded by Nm.
Official sources
- NIST Special Publication 811: Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI).
- BIPM: SI Measurement Units.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.