Torque Converter
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)
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) to Foot-pound (ft·lbf) Conversion Table
| Newton-meter (N·m) [nm] | Foot-pound (ft·lbf) [ftlbf] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 nm | 0.00737562 ftlbf |
| 0.1 nm | 0.07375621 ftlbf |
| 1 nm | 0.73756215 ftlbf |
| 2 nm | 1.4751243 ftlbf |
| 3 nm | 2.21268645 ftlbf |
| 5 nm | 3.68781074 ftlbf |
| 10 nm | 7.37562148 ftlbf |
| 20 nm | 14.75124297 ftlbf |
| 50 nm | 36.87810742 ftlbf |
| 100 nm | 73.75621484 ftlbf |
| 1000 nm | 737.56214837 ftlbf |
How to Convert Newton-meter (N·m) to Foot-pound (ft·lbf)
1 nm = 0.73756215 ftlbf
1 ftlbf = 1.35581795 nm
Example: convert 15 nm to ftlbf:
15 nm = 15 × 0.73756215 ftlbf = 11.06343223 ftlbf
Did You Know?
- 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!
- 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!