What is a torque converter?
A torque converter is an online tool for converting between torque (rotational force) units. It supports newton-meters (N·m), foot-pounds (ft·lb), kilogram-force meters (kgf·m), inch-pounds (in·lb) and dyne-centimeters (dyn·cm).
What are the torque conversion formulas?
- 1 foot-pound (ft·lb) ≈ 1.3558 newton-meters (N·m)
- 1 kilogram-force meter (kgf·m) ≈ 9.80665 N·m
- 1 inch-pound (in·lb) ≈ 0.11298 N·m
- 1 dyne-centimeter (dyn·cm) = 10-7 N·m
- 1 N·m ≈ 0.7376 ft·lb
- 1 N·m ≈ 8.8507 in·lb
What is torque?
Torque is a rotational force that causes an object to turn around an axis. It equals force multiplied by the distance from the pivot point (τ = F × d). A longer wrench handle produces more torque with the same effort, which is why mechanics use extension bars for stubborn bolts.
What are some torque conversion examples?
Automotive: A mid-range car engine produces 200–400 N·m of torque. 350 N·m equals about 258 ft·lb — typical for a modern turbocharged engine.
Fastener torque: Wheel lug nuts usually require 100–140 N·m (74–103 ft·lb). Always follow the manufacturer's torque specifications to avoid damage.
Industrial motors: Electric motors may produce tens of kgf·m. 10 kgf·m equals about 98.1 N·m — common for medium-sized industrial motors.
What is the difference between newton-meters and foot-pounds?
Newton-meters are the SI standard for torque, used in most of the world. Foot-pounds are common in the United States and some imperial-system contexts. Automotive specifications often list both values. Knowing the conversion factor of roughly 1.356 lets you quickly move between the two systems.
When is a torque converter useful?
A torque converter is handy for automotive maintenance and repair, mechanical engineering and design, comparing motor specifications across different unit systems, and following technical documentation that uses unfamiliar torque units. Torque is the product of force and distance, so the force converter is a useful companion. Power is torque multiplied by rotational speed — the power converter covers those units.