Torque unit conversion
Torque is rotational force; its units differ by region and standard. Multiply your value by the newton-metre equivalent below to convert any unit into N·m, the SI unit.
| Unit | Symbol | Newton-metres equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Newton-metre | N·m | 1 |
| Kilogram-force metre | kgf·m | 9.80665 |
| Pound-force foot | lbf·ft | 1.355818 |
| Pound-force inch | lbf·in | 0.112985 |
| Ounce-force inch | ozf·in | 0.00706155 |
| Dyne-centimetre | dyn·cm | 1e-7 |
| Kilonewton-metre | kN·m | 1000 |
| Newton-centimetre | N·cm | 0.01 |
Notes
- N·m is the SI unit of torque; use it when comparing specs from different countries.
- kgf·m is a gravitational unit still common in older engineering catalogues.
- For lbf·in to lbf·ft, divide by 12; for N·cm to N·m, divide by 100.
Frequently asked questions
- What is 1 lbf·ft in N·m?
- One pound-force foot equals 1.3558 N·m. So 10 lbf·ft is about 13.56 N·m.
- How do I convert kgf·m to N·m?
- Multiply by 9.80665. One kgf·m (the force of 1 kg under gravity) is 9.80665 N·m.
- Is N·m the same as N·cm?
- No — 1 N·m = 100 N·cm. Divide N·cm by 100 to get N·m, or multiply N·m by 100 for N·cm.
- Why do torque specs use different units?
- Regions settled on different standards: SI countries use N·m, the US often uses lbf·ft, and some Asian manuals still quote kgf·m.