Torque Converter
Convert common automotive torque units quickly and easily.
Enter a torque value, choose the starting unit and the unit you want to convert to.
Conversion Result
Enter a torque value above to convert between common automotive torque units.
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About the Creator
MyCruncher — Founded by Bobby Dues
MyCruncher provides free online calculators designed to make everyday calculations easier to understand and use.
Meet Bobby Dues →Free Torque Converter – Convert ft-lb, in-lb, Nm and kgf-m
Need to convert foot-pounds to inch-pounds or newton-meters? The free MyCruncher Torque Converter helps you convert common automotive and mechanical torque units quickly.
Convert between foot-pounds (ft-lb), inch-pounds (in-lb), newton-meters (N·m), and kilogram-force meters (kgf·m).
Whether you’re working on a car, using a torque wrench, reviewing a service manual, or comparing metric and imperial specifications, this calculator makes torque unit conversions easier.
Simply enter your torque value, choose the starting unit, select the destination unit, and calculate your result.
How to Use the Torque Converter
The MyCruncher Torque Converter uses three simple inputs.
- Enter Torque Value. Type the amount you want to convert, such as 25, 50, or 100.
- Select From. Choose the original torque unit.
- Select To. Choose the torque unit you want to convert into.
- Click Convert Torque. The calculator displays the converted value.
- Review the results. See equivalent measurements in other supported torque units.
- Use Swap Units. Reverse the starting and destination units for another conversion.
What Is Torque?
Torque measures the turning effect of a force about an axis or pivot point.
In automotive repairs, torque specifications are commonly used when tightening fasteners to a specified setting.
Torque depends on the applied force, the distance from the rotation axis, and the direction of the force.
When force acts perpendicular to a lever, increasing either the force or lever-arm length increases torque.
A torque converter changes the unit used to express torque. It does not determine the correct tightening specification for a particular fastener.
Understanding Common Torque Units
Foot-Pounds (ft-lb)
Foot-pounds of torque describe one pound-force acting at a perpendicular distance of one foot from an axis.
This unit is commonly used for automotive torque specifications in the United States.
Inch-Pounds (in-lb)
Inch-pounds describe one pound-force acting at a perpendicular distance of one inch.
Inch-pounds can be useful when expressing smaller torque values.
Newton-Meters (N·m)
A newton-meter is the SI unit used to express torque.
It represents one newton of force acting perpendicularly at a distance of one meter.
Kilogram-Force Meters (kgf·m)
Kilogram-force meters are another torque measurement sometimes found in technical specifications.
One kilogram-force meter equals exactly 9.80665 newton-meters.
How to Convert Foot-Pounds to Inch-Pounds
One foot equals 12 inches, so one foot-pound of torque equals 12 inch-pounds.
Foot-Pounds to Inch-Pounds Example
Example: Suppose a torque specification is 100 foot-pounds.
Step 1: Identify the Torque Value
Step 2: Apply the Conversion Factor
Step 3: Multiply
The two values represent the same amount of torque, expressed in different units.
Foot-Pounds to Inch-Pounds Conversion Chart
| Foot-Pounds | Inch-Pounds |
|---|---|
| 1 | 12 |
| 2 | 24 |
| 5 | 60 |
| 10 | 120 |
| 15 | 180 |
| 20 | 240 |
| 25 | 300 |
| 50 | 600 |
| 75 | 900 |
| 100 | 1,200 |
| 150 | 1,800 |
| 200 | 2,400 |
How to Convert Inch-Pounds to Foot-Pounds
To convert inch-pounds into foot-pounds, divide the inch-pound value by 12.
Inch-Pounds to Foot-Pounds Example
Suppose a specification lists 240 inch-pounds.
Inch-Pounds to Foot-Pounds Conversion Chart
| Inch-Pounds | Foot-Pounds |
|---|---|
| 12 | 1 |
| 24 | 2 |
| 36 | 3 |
| 60 | 5 |
| 96 | 8 |
| 120 | 10 |
| 180 | 15 |
| 240 | 20 |
| 300 | 25 |
| 600 | 50 |
| 1,200 | 100 |
How to Convert Foot-Pounds to Newton-Meters
To convert foot-pounds into newton-meters, multiply by approximately 1.35582.
Foot-Pounds to Newton-Meters Example
Example: Convert 100 ft-lb to newton-meters.
Step 1: Identify the Starting Value
Step 2: Multiply by the Conversion Factor
This is an equivalent torque measurement, not a suggested tightening setting.
Foot-Pounds to Newton-Meters Conversion Chart
| ft-lb | N·m |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.36 |
| 5 | 6.78 |
| 10 | 13.56 |
| 20 | 27.12 |
| 25 | 33.90 |
| 50 | 67.79 |
| 75 | 101.69 |
| 100 | 135.58 |
| 125 | 169.48 |
| 150 | 203.37 |
| 200 | 271.16 |
Metric values are rounded to two decimal places for easy reference.
How to Convert Newton-Meters to Foot-Pounds
To convert newton-meters into foot-pounds, multiply by approximately 0.737562.
Newton-Meters to Foot-Pounds Example
Suppose a specification is 100 N·m.
Newton-Meters to Foot-Pounds Conversion Chart
| N·m | ft-lb |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3.69 |
| 10 | 7.38 |
| 20 | 14.75 |
| 25 | 18.44 |
| 50 | 36.88 |
| 75 | 55.32 |
| 100 | 73.76 |
| 125 | 92.20 |
| 150 | 110.63 |
| 200 | 147.51 |
| 250 | 184.39 |
How to Convert Inch-Pounds to Newton-Meters
One inch-pound equals approximately 0.112985 newton-meters.
Inch-Pounds to Newton-Meters Example
Convert 120 in-lb into newton-meters.
How to Convert Newton-Meters to Inch-Pounds
Multiply newton-meters by approximately 8.85075 to obtain inch-pounds.
Newton-Meters to Inch-Pounds Example
Convert 10 N·m into inch-pounds.
How to Convert Kilogram-Force Meters to Newton-Meters
The kilogram-force meter, abbreviated kgf·m, is another unit sometimes used in mechanical torque specifications.
Kilogram-Force Meter Example
Convert 10 kgf·m into newton-meters.
How to Convert Newton-Meters to Kilogram-Force Meters
Divide newton-meters by 9.80665 to convert to kilogram-force meters.
For example:
Common Torque Unit Reference Chart
These equivalents are useful for comparing imperial and metric torque values.
| Starting Unit | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 ft-lb | 12 in-lb |
| 1 ft-lb | 1.35582 N·m |
| 1 in-lb | 0.083333 ft-lb |
| 1 in-lb | 0.112985 N·m |
| 1 N·m | 0.737562 ft-lb |
| 1 N·m | 8.850746 in-lb |
| 1 kgf·m | 9.80665 N·m |
| 1 kgf·m | 7.23301 ft-lb |
When Is a Torque Converter Useful?
Automotive Repair Manuals
Vehicle service manuals may list torque specifications using metric or imperial units.
A converter helps express those measurements in the unit shown on your torque wrench.
Torque Wrench Settings
Some torque wrenches display ft-lb, in-lb, or N·m scales.
Convert the specified value before setting the tool.
Engine and Mechanical Work
Mechanical assemblies often require specific fastener tightening procedures.
Unit conversion can help interpret the measurements provided in a manufacturer’s documentation.
Home and DIY Projects
Torque values may appear in instructions for equipment, tools and mechanical hardware.
Comparing International Specifications
Metric and imperial units can appear in different equipment manuals.
A converter makes comparisons easier without changing the underlying torque.
Foot-Pounds vs. Inch-Pounds: What’s the Difference?
Both are units for measuring the same physical quantity: torque.
The main difference is the lever-arm distance represented by the unit.
Since one foot contains 12 inches, one foot-pound equals 12 inch-pounds.
A value of 100 ft-lb is not the same as 100 in-lb.
Confusing these units can lead to a significant tightening error.
Torque vs. Force: What’s the Difference?
Force describes a push or pull. Torque describes the turning effect of a force around an axis.
For example, the same force applied farther from the pivot can create more torque.
Torque units must include both a force component and a distance component.
Torque vs. Horsepower
Torque and horsepower are related but different measurements.
Torque measures turning effect. Horsepower measures the rate at which mechanical work is performed.
In rotating systems, power depends on torque and rotational speed.
A torque unit converter does not calculate horsepower because torque alone does not provide rotational speed.
Why Is Correct Torque Important?
A specified fastener torque may help establish the intended clamping force when used with the appropriate tightening procedure.
Incorrect tightening may damage components or produce an unsafe assembly.
Actual clamp load depends on friction, fastener condition, lubrication and other factors, not torque alone.
Always follow the appropriate manufacturer’s service information.
Torque Wrench Safety and Accuracy Tips
- Verify the correct unit. Check whether the specification uses ft-lb, in-lb or N·m.
- Use the specified torque. Do not substitute an arbitrary example value.
- Use the correct tool range. Choose a torque wrench suitable for the required setting.
- Follow the tightening sequence. Some components require multiple stages or specified patterns.
- Check fastener conditions. Lubrication and thread condition can affect proper procedures.
- Verify wrench calibration. Use tools maintained and calibrated according to manufacturer guidance.
- Follow angle-tightening instructions. Some procedures require both torque and additional rotation.
- Consult service documentation. For critical automotive components, use the correct vehicle-specific instructions.
Common Torque Conversion Mistakes
- Confusing ft-lb and in-lb. There is a factor of 12 between them.
- Multiplying instead of dividing. Convert in-lb to ft-lb by dividing by 12.
- Using rounded factors too early. Keep sufficient precision when performing calculations.
- Mixing torque with energy. Although torque and energy share some dimensional units, they represent different physical quantities.
- Assuming the calculator provides a specification. It converts units only.
- Ignoring the manufacturer’s procedure. A correct number does not replace proper tightening instructions.
- Using the wrong torque-wrench scale. Check the tool’s displayed unit before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert foot-pounds to inch-pounds?
Multiply the foot-pound value by 12.
How many inch-pounds are in one foot-pound?
One foot-pound equals exactly 12 inch-pounds.
How many inch-pounds are in 10 foot-pounds?
10 ft-lb equals 120 in-lb.
How many inch-pounds are in 25 foot-pounds?
25 ft-lb equals 300 in-lb.
How many inch-pounds are in 100 foot-pounds?
100 ft-lb equals 1,200 in-lb.
How do I convert inch-pounds to foot-pounds?
Divide the inch-pound value by 12.
How many foot-pounds are in 240 inch-pounds?
240 in-lb equals 20 ft-lb.
How do I convert ft-lb to N·m?
Multiply foot-pounds by approximately 1.35582.
How many newton-meters are in 100 foot-pounds?
100 ft-lb is approximately 135.58 N·m.
How do I convert N·m to ft-lb?
Multiply newton-meters by approximately 0.737562.
How many foot-pounds are in 100 N·m?
100 N·m is approximately 73.76 ft-lb.
How do I convert N·m to in-lb?
Multiply newton-meters by approximately 8.85075.
What is one kilogram-force meter in newton-meters?
One kgf·m equals 9.80665 N·m.
Does MyCruncher support kgf·m?
Yes. The Torque Converter includes kilogram-force meters among its supported units.
Can I use the converter for automotive repairs?
Yes, for unit conversions. Always obtain the correct fastener setting from reliable service documentation.
Does the converter tell me how tight to make a bolt?
No. It converts a torque value you provide. It does not determine the correct specification.
Can I convert between metric and imperial torque?
Yes. The tool supports several commonly used metric and imperial torque units.
What does Swap Units do?
It reverses the original and destination torque units.
Is the Torque Converter free?
Yes! MyCruncher’s Torque Converter is free to use for general torque unit conversions.
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Important: The MyCruncher Torque Converter provides mathematical unit conversions for education and general reference. It does not provide manufacturer torque specifications, tool calibration, fastener safety verification or repair instructions. Never treat conversion examples as recommended tightening settings. For automotive and other safety-critical work, follow the correct manufacturer’s service procedures and use properly maintained tools.