Torque Converter
Convert between newton-meters, pound-force feet, pound-force inches, and kilogram-force meters.
How torque conversion works
Torque is a rotational force, measured as force applied at a distance from a pivot point — which is why its units combine a force unit (newtons, pound-force) with a length unit (meters, feet, inches). Every unit here converts through the newton-meter, the SI unit of torque.
Common conversions
- 1 lbf·ft ≈ 1.356 N·m
- 1 lbf·ft = 12 lbf·in
- Car engine specifications commonly list torque in lb-ft (US) or N·m (most other countries)
Frequently asked questions
Why does a car spec sheet list both horsepower and torque?
They measure different things: torque is the rotational force an engine produces, while horsepower is a rate — how quickly that force can do work (power = torque × rotational speed). A high-torque, low-revving engine and a lower-torque, high-revving engine can produce the same horsepower.
Is torque the same thing as energy?
They share the same base units (a newton-meter is used for both), but they're conceptually different: energy is a scalar quantity of work done, while torque is a rotational force that may or may not result in any actual rotation or work being done.