Torque Converter
Convert between N·m, ft·lb, in·lb, kg·cm, and dyne·cm. Common presets for automotive, cycling, and mechanical work.
Quick Answer
1 N·m = 0.7376 ft·lb = 8.851 in·lb = 10.20 kg·cm. Car lug nuts: ~110 N·m (81 ft·lb). Use our converter for precise values.
About This Tool
The Torque Converter is an essential reference tool for mechanics, engineers, cyclists, and DIY enthusiasts who need to convert torque values between different unit systems. Torque, the measure of rotational force, is specified in different units depending on the industry, country, and application. This converter handles the five most common torque units: Newton-meters (N·m), foot-pounds (ft·lb), inch-pounds (in·lb), kilogram-centimeters (kg·cm), and dyne-centimeters (dyne·cm), providing instant bidirectional conversion with practical presets for common fastener applications.
Why Torque Conversion Matters
Torque specifications are critical for safe and reliable mechanical assembly. Every bolted joint, from wheel lug nuts on your car to the stem bolts on your bicycle, has a specific torque requirement determined by the manufacturer. Using the wrong torque can lead to catastrophic failure: an under-torqued wheel bolt can cause a wheel to detach at highway speed, while an over-torqued cylinder head bolt can crack the engine block. The complication arises because different manufacturers specify torque in different units. Japanese and European automakers use N·m, while American repair manuals often use ft·lb. Bicycle component manufacturers sometimes use N·m and other times kg·cm. Having a reliable converter eliminates guesswork and calculation errors.
Understanding Each Torque Unit
Newton-meters (N·m) are the SI standard unit for torque. One N·m is the torque produced by a force of one Newton acting at a perpendicular distance of one meter from the rotation axis. This is the internationally preferred unit and is increasingly adopted worldwide. Foot-pounds (ft·lb) are the traditional US unit, representing one pound-force applied at one foot from the pivot. Note that ft·lb of torque is sometimes written as lb·ft and should not be confused with ft·lbf (foot-pound-force of energy). Inch-pounds (in·lb) are used for smaller fasteners where ft·lb values would be inconveniently small fractions. Kilogram-centimeters (kg·cm) are a metric gravitational unit popular in Asian manufacturing and servo motor specifications. Dyne-centimeters are the CGS unit used in scientific research and precision measurements.
Torque in Automotive Applications
Automotive work is one of the most common contexts for torque conversion. Engine specifications list torque for dozens of fasteners, from cylinder head bolts (typically 40-90 N·m plus angle tightening) to intake manifold bolts (20-30 N·m), spark plugs (20-30 N·m for most), and oil drain plugs (25-45 N·m depending on vehicle). Suspension components like tie rod ends, ball joints, and strut mounting nuts each have specific torque requirements. Wheel lug nuts are perhaps the most safety-critical, typically ranging from 80 to 140 N·m. When working from repair manuals that use different units than your torque wrench, accurate conversion is not optional; it is a safety requirement.
Torque for Bicycle Maintenance
Modern bicycles, especially those with carbon fiber components, are extremely sensitive to torque specifications. Carbon handlebars, seat posts, and frames can crack from over-tightening. Common bicycle torque specs include: stem face plate bolts (4-6 N·m), handlebar clamp (5-7 N·m), seat post clamp (5-6 N·m), brake caliper mounting (6-8 N·m), crank arm bolts (12-14 N·m for Shimano Hollowtech), cassette lockring (40 N·m), and bottom bracket cups (35-50 N·m). A small preset torque wrench (2-20 N·m range) is an indispensable tool for any cyclist doing their own maintenance, and our converter helps when component manufacturers specify torque in units different from your wrench.
Torque vs. Tightening Angle
Some critical fastener applications use torque-plus-angle tightening, where the bolt is first tightened to a specified torque value and then rotated an additional number of degrees. This method provides more consistent clamping force than torque alone because it reduces the variability caused by friction differences between bolts. Cylinder head bolts on many modern engines use this method. For example, a specification might read: tighten to 40 N·m, then rotate an additional 90 degrees. The initial torque seats the bolt, and the angle turn stretches it to a precise preload. Our converter handles the torque portion of these specifications, while the angle is applied separately.