Quick example
Convert 1 pound-foot of torque to newton-meters
One pound-force equals exactly 4.4482216152605 newtons, and one foot equals exactly 0.3048 meters. Multiplying those values gives approximately 1.3558179483314 newton-meters.
Quick reference
Common torque conversions
| Starting torque | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 kN⋅m | 1,000 N⋅m |
| 1 N⋅m | 0.7375621493 lbf⋅ft |
| 1 N⋅m | 8.850745791 lbf⋅in |
| 1 lbf⋅ft | 1.3558179483314 N⋅m |
| 1 lbf⋅ft | 12 lbf⋅in |
| 1 kgf⋅m | 9.80665 N⋅m |
| 1 kgf⋅cm | 0.0980665 N⋅m |
| 1 N⋅m | 10.19716213 kgf⋅cm |
Unit definitions
Metric and US customary torque
Newton-meters
A newton-meter is the torque from one newton acting perpendicular to a lever arm one meter from the rotation axis. A kilonewton-meter is 1,000 N⋅m.
Pound-force feet
A pound-force foot is the torque from one pound-force acting perpendicular to a one-foot lever arm. The lbf⋅ft notation keeps the force unit explicit.
Pound-force inches
Pound-force inches are common for smaller fasteners and components. One lbf⋅ft equals exactly 12 lbf⋅in.
Kilogram-force torque
Kilogram-force meters and centimeters use the standard-gravity force of 9.80665 newtons per kilogram-force.
Torque versus energy
Newton-meters of torque are not joules
Torque and energy share the same force-times-distance dimensions, but they describe different physical quantities. Torque is a rotational moment with an axis and direction; energy is a scalar total. This tool therefore keeps torque labeled as N⋅m rather than joules. Signed values can indicate opposite rotation directions according to your chosen convention.
Common questions
Torque conversion FAQ
How many newton-meters are in one pound-foot of torque?
One pound-force foot equals approximately 1.3558179483314 newton-meters.
How do I convert pound-feet to newton-meters?
Multiply by 1.3558179483314. For example, 100 lbf⋅ft is approximately 135.5818 N⋅m.
How many pound-feet are in one newton-meter?
One newton-meter equals approximately 0.7375621493 pound-force feet.
Is a newton-meter of torque the same as a joule?
No. Torque is a rotational moment, while a joule is scalar energy. They share base dimensions but describe different quantities.
Can torque be negative?
Yes. A negative value can represent torque opposite the chosen positive rotation direction.