Torque Converter
Foot-pound (ft·lbf)
Definition: The foot-pound force (symbol: ft·lbf or ft-lb) is an imperial and US customary unit of torque. It is the torque created by one pound-force acting at a perpendicular distance of one foot from a pivot point.
History/origin: This unit originated in the British Empire as part of the foot-pound-second (FPS) system of units. It was the primary measurement for torque during the rise of the American automotive industry.
Current use: Foot-pounds are extensively used in the United States and the UK for automotive engine ratings and manual labor involving torque wrenches.
Newton-meter (N·m)
Definition: The newton-meter (symbol: N·m or N m) is the SI unit of torque. One newton-meter is equal to the torque resulting from a force of one newton applied perpendicularly to a moment arm which is one meter long.
History/origin: The unit was derived within the International System of Units (SI) by combining the unit of force (Newton) and the unit of distance (Meter). It was established to provide a scientific constant for rotational force.
Current use: It is the global standard for measuring engine torque in cars, motorcycles, and the tightening specifications for almost all modern mechanical fasteners.
Foot-pound (ft·lbf) to Newton-meter (N·m) Conversion Table
| Foot-pound (ft·lbf) [ftlbf] | Newton-meter (N·m) [nm] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 ftlbf | 0.01355818 nm |
| 0.1 ftlbf | 0.1355818 nm |
| 1 ftlbf | 1.35581795 nm |
| 2 ftlbf | 2.7116359 nm |
| 3 ftlbf | 4.06745385 nm |
| 5 ftlbf | 6.77908975 nm |
| 10 ftlbf | 13.5581795 nm |
| 20 ftlbf | 27.116359 nm |
| 50 ftlbf | 67.7908975 nm |
| 100 ftlbf | 135.581795 nm |
| 1000 ftlbf | 1355.81795 nm |
How to Convert Foot-pound (ft·lbf) to Newton-meter (N·m)
1 ftlbf = 1.35581795 nm
1 nm = 0.73756215 ftlbf
Example: convert 15 ftlbf to nm:
15 ftlbf = 15 × 1.35581795 nm = 20.33726925 nm
Did You Know?
- In the United States, foot-pounds (ft-lb) is the primary unit used to measure the tightening of bolts on car wheels and engines. Using a torque wrench ensures you don't snap the bolt!
- Did you know? Torque is what gets a car moving from a standstill. While horsepower determines top speed, torque determines acceleration—or how fast you feel that "push" into your seat!