Convert torque from N·m to ft·lb, in·lb, kgf·cm, and more. Includes torque spec reference table, visual torque class indicator, and batch mode.
This converter handles the common torque translation from newton-meters to foot-pounds. It is useful when a service manual, spec sheet, or torque wrench is written in one system and the fastener or tool is marked in the other.
One newton-meter equals about 0.7376 foot-pounds, so the conversion is straightforward once you know the factor. The page also shows inch-pounds, kilogram-force centimeters, kilogram-force meters, and ounce-inches so you can compare related torque units without doing separate conversions.
The reference table and torque-class indicator are aimed at workshop use, where you want a fast answer and a quick sense of whether the value is small, moderate, or heavy. It is particularly useful when the spec is in N·m but the wrench on the bench is marked in ft·lb, or the other way around. That makes it easier to move between metric manuals, imperial tools, and mixed-unit maintenance paperwork without second-guessing the target value.
Torque specs are easy to misread when the manual and the wrench use different units. This page keeps the conversion explicit and gives nearby torque units at the same time, which helps with automotive, bike, and industrial fasteners. It also provides a quick sanity check against the rough torque class before anything gets tightened.
ft·lb = N·m × 0.7375621493 N·m = ft·lb × 1.3558179483 Derived from: 1 ft = 0.3048 m, 1 lbf = 4.4482216 N So 1 ft·lbf = 0.3048 × 4.4482216 = 1.35581795 N·m.
Result: 73.76 ft·lb
100 N·m × 0.7376 = 73.76 ft·lb. This is a typical torque spec for truck wheel lug nuts.
Torque is a rotational force - the product of a force and a lever arm distance. The SI unit is the newton-meter (N·m), while the imperial unit is the foot-pound (ft·lb). Other units in common use include inch-pounds (in·lb, for small fasteners), kilogram-force centimeters (kgf·cm, for servo motors), and ounce-force inches (oz·in, for electronics).
Every threaded fastener in a car has a specified torque value. Critical fasteners like cylinder head bolts, connecting rod bolts, and wheel lug nuts must be tightened to precise specs - often in a specific sequence and angle. European vehicles specify N·m; American vehicles traditionally use ft·lb; Japanese vehicles may list kgf·m. A reliable converter eliminates dangerous guesswork.
| Type | Range | Best for | |---|---|---| | Beam | 0-150 ft·lb | Budget, visual confirmation | | Click | 10-250 ft·lb | General automotive, reliable | | Digital | 1-250 ft·lb | High precision, angle measurement | | Dial | 0-600 ft·lb | Industrial, calibration reference |
Always calibrate torque wrenches annually and store them at their lowest setting to preserve spring accuracy.
Multiply by 0.7376. For example, 50 N·m × 0.7376 = 36.88 ft·lb. That is a useful shop-floor check when a torque spec is written in metric but the wrench scale is imperial.
They are the same thing. "ft·lbf" is the formal name; "ft·lb" is the common shorthand for torque.
Dimensionally yes, but in practice N·m is used for torque and joules for energy. They are not interchangeable in meaning.
For automotive work, a 10-150 ft·lb (14-203 N·m) 1/2" drive wrench covers most needs. For bicycles, a 1-25 N·m 1/4" drive wrench is appropriate.
Europe uses the SI metric system (N·m), while the US traditionally uses the imperial system (ft·lb). Most modern repair manuals list both.
Inch-pounds (in·lb) are used for small fasteners such as electronics screws, carburetor screws, and delicate mechanical assemblies. They give finer resolution than foot-pounds when the target torque is low.