What is the formula for Nm to lb-ft?

The exact conversion formula is: lb-ft = Nm x 0.73756214927727. This comes from the definition: 1 lb-ft = 0.3048 m x 4.44822 N = 1.35582 Nm. So dividing 1 by 1.35582 gives 0.73756. For practical purposes, multiply Nm by 0.7376 to get lb-ft.

What is torque wrench setting conversion?

To convert torque wrench settings: Nm to lb-ft: multiply by 0.7376. lb-ft to Nm: multiply by 1.3558. lb-in to Nm: multiply by 0.1130. Nm to lb-in: multiply by 8.851. For most automotive applications: wheel nuts typically 100-130 Nm (74-96 lb-ft), spark plugs 20-35 Nm (15-26 lb-ft), cylinder head bolts 70-100 Nm (52-74 lb-ft).

Torque Converter - LazyTools

Q: How to convert Nm to lb-ft?

To convert Newton-meters to pound-feet, multiply by 0.7376. Example: 100 Nm x 0.7376 = 73.76 lb-ft. To convert lb-ft back to Nm, multiply by 1.3558. Example: 100 lb-ft x 1.3558 = 135.58 Nm. Use the calculator above for instant conversion of any value.

Q: What is 100 Nm in lb-ft?

100 Newton-meters equals 73.76 pound-feet. The conversion factor is 1 Nm = 0.7376 lb-ft. So 100 Nm x 0.7376 = 73.76 lb-ft. Conversely, 100 lb-ft = 135.58 Nm.

Q: How to convert ft-lbs to Nm?

To convert foot-pounds to Newton-meters, multiply by 1.3558. Example: 100 ft-lbs x 1.3558 = 135.58 Nm. To convert Nm back to ft-lbs, multiply by 0.7376. The calculator above converts all values in real time — just type in the lb-ft field.

Q: What is 1 Nm in lb-ft?

1 Newton-meter equals 0.7376 pound-feet (lb-ft). Equivalently, 1 lb-ft equals 1.3558 Newton-meters.

Q: How to convert kgf-m to Nm?

To convert kilogram-force meters to Newton-meters, multiply by 9.80665. This factor is the standard acceleration of gravity (g). Example: 10 kgf-m x 9.80665 = 98.07 Nm. To convert Nm to kgf-m, divide by 9.80665 (or multiply by 0.10197).

Q: What is the difference between lb-ft and ft-lbs?

lb-ft (pound-feet) and ft-lbs (foot-pounds) are the same unit written in different order — both mean pound-force times feet. In the US automotive industry, lb-ft is the technically correct notation for torque, while ft-lb or ft-lbs is the historical alternative. Both are identical in value and meaning. The unit is: one pound of force applied at one foot from the pivot point.

Q: Nm to lb-ft conversion chart

Common Nm to lb-ft conversions: 10 Nm = 7.38 lb-ft. 20 Nm = 14.75 lb-ft. 25 Nm = 18.44 lb-ft. 50 Nm = 36.88 lb-ft. 80 Nm = 59.01 lb-ft. 100 Nm = 73.76 lb-ft. 120 Nm = 88.51 lb-ft. 150 Nm = 110.6 lb-ft. 200 Nm = 147.5 lb-ft. 250 Nm = 184.4 lb-ft. 300 Nm = 221.3 lb-ft. 400 Nm = 295.0 lb-ft. 500 Nm = 368.8 lb-ft.

Q: How to calculate horsepower from torque?

Horsepower (HP) = (Torque in lb-ft x RPM) / 5252. For kilowatts: kW = (Torque in Nm x RPM) / 9549. For PS (metric horsepower): PS = kW x 1.35962. Example: 300 lb-ft at 5000 RPM = (300 x 5000) / 5252 = 285.6 HP. The constant 5252 is where torque in lb-ft and power in HP always intersect on an engine dyno curve.

What Is Torque?

Torque Explained — The Rotational Force Behind Every Engine, Bolt, and Wrench

Torque is the rotational equivalent of linear force. While force causes an object to accelerate in a straight line, torque causes it to rotate around an axis. Mathematically, torque is the product of force and the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to the line of action of that force: T = F × d. Tightening a bolt with a wrench, an engine crankshaft turning, a motor spinning a pump shaft — all involve torque. Understanding torque and its units is essential for automotive work, mechanical engineering, and any application involving rotational motion.

Torque units vary by region and industry. Newton-meters are the SI standard used across Europe, Japan, and in most modern engineering documentation. Pound-feet (lb·ft) dominate in US automotive specifications. Kilogram-force meters (kgf·m) appear in older Asian specifications. Converting correctly between these is critical — an error in a torque wrench setting can mean an over-tightened bolt that cracks a cylinder head or an under-tightened wheel nut that causes wheel separation.

Why different torque units exist

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Newton-meters (N·m) — the SI standard — Defined as the torque from 1 Newton of force at 1 metre. Adopted internationally by engineering standards. Used by BMW, Mercedes, Toyota, Volkswagen, and all modern European automotive manufacturers. The preferred unit in physics, scientific literature, and international specifications. Since 1960, Nm is the officially correct SI unit of torque.

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Pound-feet (lb·ft) — the US automotive standard — One pound of force at one foot from the pivot. The dominant unit for engine torque specifications in the United States. Ford, GM, Dodge, and all US manufacturers publish torque specs in lb·ft. Historically also written as ft-lbs or ft-lb — all mean the same thing. Not to be confused with pound-force (lbf), which is a measure of force, not torque.

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Kilogram-force meters (kgf·m) — gravitational metric unit — The torque from 1 kgf (the gravitational force on a 1 kg mass at standard gravity of 9.80665 m/s²) at 1 metre. Common in older Japanese and Korean service manuals, particularly pre-2000 motorcycles and automotive documentation from Asian manufacturers. Still seen in some industrial and workshop specifications in East Asia. 1 kgf·m = 9.80665 N·m.

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Pound-inches (lb·in) and ounce-force inches (ozf·in) — Smaller units for precision work. lb·in = lb·ft / 12, used for spark plugs, valve cover bolts, electronic assembly, and aerospace fasteners where lb·ft values would be fractional. ozf·in is even finer — used for hobby servo specifications, small motors, and miniature mechanical systems. Common in US electronics assembly standards.

Conversion Formulas

Nm to lb-ft, kgf-m & All Unit Conversion Formulas

All conversions use Newton-meters as the base unit. Multiply by the conversion factor shown.

Convert from	To get N·m	To get lb·ft	To get kgf·m	Description
1 N·m	—	0.73756	0.10197	SI standard, divide by 9.80665 to get kgf·m
1 lb·ft	1.35582	—	0.13826	1 lb-ft = 0.3048 m × 4.44822 N
1 kgf·m	9.80665	7.23301	—	g = 9.80665 m/s² (standard gravity)
1 lb·in	0.11298	0.08333	0.01152	12 lb·in = 1 lb·ft exactly
1 ozf·in	0.00706	0.00521	0.00072	16 ozf·in = 1 lb·in
1 kgf·cm	0.09807	0.07233	0.01	100 kgf·cm = 1 kgf·m
1 dyn·cm	0.0000001	0.0000001	0.0000000102	CGS unit, very small — 10,000,000 dyn·cm = 1 N·m

Nm to lb-ft quick reference table

N·m	lb·ft	kgf·m	Common application
5 Nm	3.69	0.51	Small electronics screws
10 Nm	7.38	1.02	Bicycle handlebar clamp
20 Nm	14.75	2.04	Bicycle pedal, small engine bolts
25 Nm	18.44	2.55	Spark plug (most petrol engines)
35 Nm	25.81	3.57	Oil drain plug, exhaust manifold
50 Nm	36.88	5.10	Brake caliper bolts
80 Nm	59.01	8.16	Cylinder head bolt (most engines)
100 Nm	73.76	10.20	Motorcycle rear axle
120 Nm	88.51	12.23	Car wheel nut (typical passenger car)
150 Nm	110.6	15.30	Car wheel nut (larger cars)
200 Nm	147.5	20.39	Peak torque — small 4-cyl engine
250 Nm	184.4	25.49	Peak torque — turbocharged 4-cyl
300 Nm	221.3	30.59	Peak torque — hot hatch / muscle car
400 Nm	295.0	40.78	Peak torque — sports car
600 Nm	442.5	61.18	Heavy truck wheel nut
900 Nm	663.8	91.76	Peak torque — hypercar (e.g. Veyron)

Power Relationship

Torque vs Horsepower — The Formula Every Mechanic Needs

Torque and power are related by engine speed (RPM). More torque at higher RPM means more power. They are not the same thing.

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Horsepower (HP) formula — HP = (Torque in lb·ft × RPM) / 5252. The constant 5252 comes from the conversion between RPM and radians per second combined with the HP to Watt factor. At exactly 5252 RPM, a car producing equal HP and lb·ft numbers is at the crossover point on the dyno chart — this is why engine dyno curves always cross at 5252 RPM.

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Kilowatts (kW) formula — kW = (Torque in N·m × RPM) / 9549.3. This gives the continuous mechanical power output. 1 kW = 1.341 HP (mechanical). The constant 9549.3 = (60 × 1000) / (2π), converting RPM and N·m to Watts then to kW.

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Metric horsepower (PS) — PS (Pferdestärke) = kW × 1.35962. Used in German, French, Italian, and some Asian automotive specifications. 1 PS = 0.7355 kW = 0.98632 HP. A 200 PS engine produces about 197.3 HP (mechanical) or 147.1 kW. Most EU car advertisements use kW, but PS remains common in press releases and enthusiast media.

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Practical interpretation — Torque determines pulling power: how much load an engine can move from a standing start or at low speeds. Peak torque is the most practically useful number for everyday driving. Horsepower determines how fast the engine can deliver that torque — it determines top-end speed and sustained high-speed performance. A diesel engine with 400 Nm at 1500 RPM and a petrol engine with 400 Nm at 5000 RPM have very different driving characters despite identical torque.

Torque Wrench Guide

Common Automotive Torque Specifications — What to Set Your Torque Wrench To

Always use the manufacturer’s specification for your specific vehicle. These are typical ranges only. Use the converter above to translate any value.

Application	Typical range	In lb·ft	Notes
Spark plug — petrol engine	20–35 N·m	14.8–25.8	Lower for aluminium heads. Over-torque cracks threads.
Oil drain plug	25–40 N·m	18.4–29.5	Replace crush washer. Never over-torque.
Wheel nut — passenger car	100–130 N·m	73.8–95.9	Steel wheel vs alloy may differ. Check car handbook.
Wheel nut — large SUV/truck	150–180 N·m	110.6–132.8	Some trucks specify up to 600 Nm for hub bolts.
Cylinder head bolt — typical	70–100 N·m	51.6–73.8	Often torque-to-yield (TTY). Replace after removal.
Brake caliper bolt	35–80 N·m	25.8–59.0	Critical safety item. Use manufacturer spec.
Crankshaft pulley bolt	130–250 N·m	95.9–184.4	Often requires impact wrench or engine locked.
Transmission fill plug	20–50 N·m	14.8–36.9	Aluminium case: lower torque.
Exhaust manifold nut	20–40 N·m	14.8–29.5	Retorque when cold. Use anti-seize paste.

Comparison

LazyTools vs Other Torque Converters

Feature	LazyTools	Omni Calculator	Norbar	FIRGELLI
Bidirectional (type any unit)	✅ All 9 units	⚠ 5 units	⚠ Select-based	⚠ 9 units, one-way
HP/kW/PS calculator	✅ At any RPM	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No
Real-world context	✅ 12 reference values	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No
Automotive presets	✅ 6 presets	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No
Comparison table	✅ 7 multiples	⚠ Static only	❌ No	❌ No
No account required	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

FAQ

Torque Conversion FAQ

How to convert Nm to lb-ft?▾

Multiply Newton-meters by 0.7376. Example: 100 Nm × 0.7376 = 73.76 lb-ft. To go back: multiply lb-ft by 1.3558. Or type any value in the Nm field above and see all units instantly.

What is 100 Nm in lb-ft?▾

100 Newton-meters equals 73.76 pound-feet. Formula: 100 × 0.7376 = 73.76 lb-ft. Conversely, 100 lb-ft = 135.58 Nm.

How to convert ft-lbs to Nm?▾

Multiply pound-feet by 1.3558. Example: 100 ft-lbs × 1.3558 = 135.58 Nm. Type in the lb-ft field above and Nm updates instantly.

What is the Nm to lb-ft formula?▾

lb-ft = Nm × 0.73756. Exact factor: 0.7375621493. From definitions: 1 lb = 4.44822 N, 1 ft = 0.3048 m, so 1 lb-ft = 1.35582 Nm, and 1/1.35582 = 0.73756.

How to convert kgf-m to Nm?▾

Multiply kgf-m by 9.80665 (standard gravity). Example: 10 kgf-m × 9.80665 = 98.07 Nm. To convert Nm to kgf-m: divide by 9.80665 (= multiply by 0.10197).

What is the difference between lb-ft and ft-lbs?▾

They are the same unit — identical values. lb-ft (pound-feet) is the technically correct notation for torque. ft-lbs (foot-pounds) is the historical alternative. Both = 1 pound of force at 1 foot from the pivot.

What is 120 Nm in lb-ft?▾

120 Nm = 88.51 lb-ft. This is the typical wheel nut torque specification for passenger cars. Click the "Wheel nut" preset above to load this value.

What is 200 Nm in ft-lbs?▾

200 Nm = 147.51 ft-lbs. Formula: 200 × 0.7376 = 147.51. This is approximately the peak torque of a small to medium petrol engine.

How to calculate horsepower from torque?▾

HP = (lb-ft × RPM) / 5252. For kW: kW = (Nm × RPM) / 9549. For PS: PS = kW × 1.35962. Enter RPM in the power calculator above for instant results.

Nm to lb-ft conversion chart▾

10 Nm = 7.38 lb-ft. 25 Nm = 18.44. 50 Nm = 36.88. 80 Nm = 59.01. 100 Nm = 73.76. 120 Nm = 88.51. 150 Nm = 110.6. 200 Nm = 147.5. 250 Nm = 184.4. 300 Nm = 221.3. 400 Nm = 295.0. 500 Nm = 368.8.

What is 300 Nm in lb-ft?▾

300 Nm = 221.3 lb-ft. Formula: 300 × 0.7376 = 221.3. This is the peak torque range of a typical turbocharged 4-cylinder or naturally aspirated 6-cylinder engine.

How to convert lb-in to Nm?▾

Multiply lb-in by 0.11299. Or: divide lb-in by 12 then multiply by 1.3558 (convert to lb-ft first). Example: 100 lb-in = 8.333 lb-ft = 11.30 Nm.

What torque units are used in different countries?▾

Nm: Europe, Japan, Australia, most international specs. lb-ft: United States automotive. kgf-m: Older Asian specs, pre-2000 Japanese/Korean manuals. lb-in: US electronics and aerospace fasteners. The converter above handles all of these simultaneously.

What torque setting for wheel nuts?▾

Most passenger cars: 100–130 Nm (73.8–95.9 lb-ft). Large SUVs: 150–180 Nm (110.6–132.8 lb-ft). Always check your vehicle’s handbook for the exact specification. The "Wheel nut" preset above loads 120 Nm as a typical starting point.

Torque converter online free▾

Type any torque value in any unit — Nm, lb-ft, kgf-m, lb-in, or 5 others — and all 9 units update instantly. Includes HP/kW/PS calculator at any RPM. Free, no account.

What is 1 Nm in lb-ft?▾

1 Newton-meter equals 0.7376 pound-feet. And 1 lb-ft equals 1.3558 Newton-meters. The conversion factor is exact: 1 lb-ft = 1.3558179483 Nm.

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Torque Converter N·m ⇔ lb·ft ⇔ kgf·m ⇔ All 9 Units — Live Bidirectional

Type in Any Unit — All 9 Update Instantly

Rate this tool

Torque Explained — The Rotational Force Behind Every Engine, Bolt, and Wrench

Why different torque units exist

Nm to lb-ft, kgf-m & All Unit Conversion Formulas

Nm to lb-ft quick reference table

Torque vs Horsepower — The Formula Every Mechanic Needs

Common Automotive Torque Specifications — What to Set Your Torque Wrench To

LazyTools vs Other Torque Converters

Torque Conversion FAQ

More Free Converter Tools

Type in Any Unit — All 9 Update Instantly

Torque unit quick reference

Rate this tool

Torque Explained — The Rotational Force Behind Every Engine, Bolt, and Wrench

Why different torque units exist

Nm to lb-ft, kgf-m & All Unit Conversion Formulas

Nm to lb-ft quick reference table

Torque vs Horsepower — The Formula Every Mechanic Needs

Common Automotive Torque Specifications — What to Set Your Torque Wrench To

LazyTools vs Other Torque Converters

Torque Conversion FAQ

More Free Converter Tools