Torque Converter

Torque unit converter for N·m, lb-ft, lb-in, kgf·m, and kgf·cm

Torque is a turning force. It shows up everywhere that something is tightened, driven, or rotated: wheel nuts, engine parts, crank bolts, bicycle components, and many power tools. The problem is that torque specs are written in different units depending on the country, the manual, and the industry. This torque converter lets you take a number from one unit and convert it into another unit you actually need.

The most common mismatch is between newton-metres (N·m) and pound-feet (lb-ft). Many automotive service manuals use N·m, while many torque wrenches and tool labels in the US use lb-ft. Another common mismatch is pound-inches (lb-in), which is often used for smaller fasteners and lower torque settings. You may also see kilogram-force units (kgf·m or kgf·cm) on older documentation or certain equipment specifications.

How to use this calculator is simple. Enter your torque value, select the unit it is currently in, and select the unit you want. The result shows the converted torque first, then a few supporting equivalents that help you sanity-check the magnitude. If you tick “Show equivalents in all units”, it will list the same torque in every supported unit so you can copy the one you need into a spec sheet, job card, or tool setting.

This page is intentionally a unit converter only. It does not estimate torque from horsepower, RPM, lever length, or fastener size. Those are separate problems with separate assumptions. If your goal is to set a torque wrench correctly from a manual, compare two specs written in different units, or translate a torque spec for a part or tool, this is the correct tool.

Assumptions and how to use this calculator

• This is a pure unit conversion. It assumes your source value is already a torque value (not power, not force, not a moment from a lever you still need to compute).
• Conversions use fixed definitions (for example, standard gravity for kgf-based units). Real-world tool calibration accuracy is separate from unit conversion.
• Results are shown to two decimals for readability. For very small torques, that rounding can hide meaningful differences, so keep units consistent when working near minimum tool ranges.
• Torque direction (clockwise vs counterclockwise) is not represented. Most specs care about magnitude; direction is context-specific.
• If your value is “torque to yield”, “angle-tightening after torque”, or includes a lubrication condition, those are procedural details that do not change unit conversion.

Common questions

What is the difference between lb-ft and lb-in?

They are the same idea (pounds of force applied at a distance), but the distance unit changes. One lb-ft is twelve lb-in. lb-in is commonly used for smaller fasteners where lb-ft numbers would be small decimals.

Which unit should I use to set my torque wrench?

Use the unit your torque wrench is calibrated and labelled in, then convert the manual’s torque spec into that unit. If your wrench shows lb-ft and the manual shows N·m, convert N·m to lb-ft and set your wrench to the converted value.

Why does my converted number look “too high” or “too low”?

Most confusion comes from mixing lb-ft and lb-in, or mixing kgf·cm and kgf·m. Double-check that you selected the correct “From” and “To” units. As a quick sanity check, N·m and lb-ft are similar scale, while lb-in is about 12× lb-ft.

Can I enter 0 or a negative number?

Zero torque is valid and will convert to zero in all units. Negative torque is usually just a sign convention for direction; this converter focuses on magnitude, so it expects a non-negative number.

Is this accurate enough for critical bolts and safety work?

The unit conversion itself is exact within rounding on this page. The bigger accuracy issues in real work are tool calibration, extension adapters, user technique, lubrication, and whether the spec is for dry or lubricated threads. Use the correct procedure from the manufacturer and a calibrated tool for critical fasteners.