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).
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.
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.
Newton-meters vs 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 to use a torque converter?
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.