Torque Converter
Newton-metres to pound-force feet, kgf·m to Nm – fast and precise
- Updated
You can type in either field.
Result in Pound-force foot (lbf·ft)
0.7375621lbf·ft
0.73756211 Nm equals 0.7375621 lbf·ft.
In all units
Tap a unit to make it the target.
Your value is about 1.02 × 1 kg on a 10 cm lever.
- 1 kg on a 10 cm lever0.7233 lbf·ft
- Your value0.7375621 lbf·ft
- 1 kg on a 1 m lever7.233 lbf·ft
- 10 kg on a 1 m lever72.33 lbf·ft
- 75 kg on a 1 m lever542.5 lbf·ft
Bars on a logarithmic scale, values rounded.
How this was calculated
Both units are converted via the base unit Nm: 1 Nm = 1 Nm and 1 lbf·ft = 1.355817948 Nm.
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Torque units: overview and conversion factors
Newton-metre, pound-force foot, kgf·m – automotive, engineering and tools
Torque (also called moment or turning force) describes the rotational force of a force acting around a pivot point. It is the product of force and the perpendicular distance to the pivot: M = F × r. The SI unit of torque is the newton-metre (Nm). One Nm corresponds to the torque produced by a force of 1 newton acting at a distance of 1 metre from the pivot point. A longer wrench produces more torque than a shorter one for the same hand force – the lever principle in practice.
In the automotive sector, torque is one of the most important engine specifications. It describes how strongly an engine "pulls", independent of engine speed. High torque means good pulling power, especially when accelerating from a standstill or overtaking. Diesel engines typically have higher maximum torque than comparable petrol engines and reach it at lower engine speeds. Electric motors even develop their maximum torque from zero RPM – an important advantage over combustion engines.
In the English-speaking world, torque is given in pound-force foot (lbf·ft, often abbreviated as "lb-ft" or "ft-lbs"). One lbf·ft is the torque produced by a force of 1 pound-force at a distance of 1 foot: 1 lbf·ft = 4.448222 N × 0.3048 m = 1.355818 Nm. If you are reading American vehicle or tool specifications, you need to convert lbf·ft to Nm. A torque wrench reading of 100 ft-lbs corresponds to about 135.6 Nm.
The kilogram-force metre (kgf·m) is an outdated unit that used to be common in German-speaking and European mechanical engineering: 1 kgf·m = 9.80665 Nm. The unit is intuitive – the torque of a 1 kg mass hanging 1 metre from the pivot point. Older manuals, car instructions and bolt-torque tables still use kgf·m. When working with old machinery or historical documents, converting to Nm is essential.
When it comes to bolt tightening torque, using the correct unit is critical. Too little torque and the bolted joint comes loose; too much and the bolt shears or the thread is damaged. Vehicle manufacturers specify 80–170 Nm for wheel bolts. Cylinder head bolts are tightened to 20–100 Nm, often in several stages with an angle-tightening step. Fine threads need less tightening torque than coarse threads of the same size. Our converter helps you correctly apply manufacturer specifications from different regions.
Common torque conversions
The most important torque conversions
- 1 Nm = 0.7376 lbf·ft
- Engine torque, US bolt tightening
- 1 lbf·ft = 1.356 Nm
- Convert US manuals to Nm
- 1 kgf·m = 9.807 Nm
- Old manuals, mechanical engineering
- 100 Nm = 73.76 lbf·ft
- Typical wheel-bolt torque
- 1 Nm = 100 Ncm
- Precision engineering, small screws
- 300 Nm = 221.3 lbf·ft
- Typical vehicle engine torque
Calculation examples
- Formula
- Nm × 0.7376 = lbf·ft
- Value
- 200 Nm
- Factor
- 0.7376
- Result
- 147.5 lbf·ft
- Formula
- lbf·ft × 1.355818 = Nm
- Value
- 100 lbf·ft
- Factor
- 1.355818
- Result
- 135.6 Nm
- Formula
- kgf·m × 9.80665 = Nm
- Value
- 15 kgf·m
- Factor
- 9.80665
- Result
- 147.1 Nm
Frequently asked questions about the torque converter
Everything about newton-metres, lbf·ft, kgf·m and Ncm
What is a newton-metre (Nm)?
One newton-metre (Nm) is the torque produced when a force of 1 newton acts perpendicularly at a distance of 1 metre from the pivot point: M = F × r. An engine's torque indicates how strongly it "turns" or "pulls" – independent of engine speed. A typical petrol car engine develops 150–300 Nm, a diesel engine 250–450 Nm.
How do I convert Nm to lbf·ft?
1 Nm = 0.7376 lbf·ft (pound-force foot). Conversely: 1 lbf·ft = 1.355818 Nm. Example: 200 Nm (typical car engine torque) = 200 × 0.7376 ≈ 147.5 lbf·ft. American vehicle data often gives torque in lb-ft.
What is the difference between torque and power?
Torque (Nm) describes the rotational force of an engine, power (kW/hp) describes the energy per unit time. Both are related via engine speed: power (W) = torque (Nm) × angular velocity (rad/s) = Nm × 2π × speed (rev/s). An engine with 200 Nm at 3,000 rpm produces about 62.8 kW = 85.4 hp.
What is kgf·m (kilogram-force metre)?
1 kgf·m is the torque produced by the weight force of 1 kilogram acting at a distance of 1 metre: 1 kgf·m = 9.80665 Nm. This outdated unit still appears in older manuals and technical drawings. A tightening torque of 10 kgf·m corresponds to about 98 Nm.
What torque do I need for wheel bolts?
The recommended tightening torque for wheel bolts is listed in the vehicle manual. Typical values: 80–130 Nm for cars with steel wheels, 100–170 Nm for alloy wheels. When changing tires, always follow the specified tightening torque and tighten in a crosswise pattern. Too little torque risks wheel loss, too much damages the wheel studs.