Use this Nm to ft-lbs Converter to convert torque between newton-meters and foot-pounds, plus other common torque units such as inch-pounds, kgf·cm, kgf·m, N·cm, N·mm, and J/rad. Enter one torque value, choose the input unit, then calculate the equivalent torque values in multiple units.

Important Note: This Nm to ft-lbs Converter performs torque-unit conversion only. It converts a known torque value between newton-meters, foot-pounds, inch-pounds, kilogram-force centimeters, kilogram-force meters, newton-centimeters, newton-millimeters, and joules per radian using N·m as the base unit.

This converter does not determine the correct torque specification for a fastener, vehicle, machine, tool, bicycle, pressure joint, structural component, or electrical terminal. Always confirm the required torque value, tightening sequence, lubrication condition, thread condition, torque angle, fastener grade, and inspection method from the manufacturer, service manual, engineering drawing, or qualified professional before applying safety-critical torque.

Reviewed by: AjaxCalculators Editorial Team
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Method source: Standard torque conversion factors using N·m as the base unit, including 1 ft·lbf = 1.3558179483314004 N·m
Editorial standards: AjaxCalculators Editorial Policy

What This Nm to ft-lbs Converter Calculates

This calculator converts a known torque value into several common torque units. It is useful when a torque specification is written in one unit, but your torque wrench, tool setting, service manual, or engineering reference uses another unit.

The converter can calculate:

• Newton-meters (N·m)
• Foot-pounds or pound-force feet (ft·lbf / lbf·ft)
• Inch-pounds or pound-force inches (in·lbf / lbf·in)
• Kilogram-force centimeters (kgf·cm)
• Kilogram-force meters (kgf·m)
• Newton-centimeters (N·cm)
• Newton-millimeters (N·mm)
• Joules per radian (J/rad)

The live tool uses one input value and one input-unit selector, then displays the converted values in a result panel.

What Nm to ft-lbs Means

Nm to ft-lbs means converting torque from newton-meters to foot-pounds. In torque work, “ft-lbs” is commonly used as a search phrase, but the more technically precise unit is pound-force foot, written as lbf·ft or ft·lbf.

The key conversion is:

1 N·m ≈ 0.737562 ft·lbf

And the reverse conversion is:

1 ft·lbf ≈ 1.355818 N·m

For example, a torque of 100 N·m is approximately:

100 × 0.737562 = 73.7562 ft·lbf

How the Nm to ft-lbs Converter Works

1) Convert the Input to Newton-Meters

The calculator first converts the entered torque value into the base torque unit, newton-meters.

Torque in N·m = entered value × conversion factor to N·m

For example, if the entered value is in ft·lbf:

N·m = ft·lbf × 1.3558179483314004

2) Convert Newton-Meters to the Output Units

After the value is converted to N·m, the calculator converts it into the other torque units.

For Nm to ft-lbs:

ft·lbf = N·m ÷ 1.3558179483314004

Or equivalently:

ft·lbf = N·m × 0.7375621493

3) Show Multiple Torque Results

The calculator displays multiple torque equivalents so you can compare units quickly. This is helpful when a manual, torque wrench, chart, or tool setting uses a different unit than the value you started with.

Torque Conversion Factors Used by the Calculator

The calculator uses newton-meters as the base torque unit. Each input value is first converted to N·m, then converted from N·m into the other displayed torque units.

Torque Unit	Equivalent in N·m	Use Note
1 ft·lbf	1.3558179483314004 N·m	Commonly called foot-pound, lb-ft, or pound-force foot in torque settings.
1 in·lbf	0.1129848290276167 N·m	Common for small fasteners and inch-pound torque wrenches.
1 kgf·cm	0.0980665 N·m	Kilogram-force centimeter; used in some tool charts and equipment specifications.
1 kgf·m	9.80665 N·m	Kilogram-force meter.
1 J/rad	1 N·m	Dimensionally equivalent expression for torque, but N·m is clearer for torque specifications.
1 N·cm	0.01 N·m	Newton-centimeter; useful for smaller torque values.
1 N·mm	0.001 N·m	Newton-millimeter; common in engineering drawings and small torque specifications.

Nm to ft-lbs Conversion Table

This table converts newton-meters to foot-pounds using 1 N·m ≈ 0.7375621493 ft·lbf.

Newton-Meters	Foot-Pounds
1 N·m	0.7376 ft·lbf
5 N·m	3.6878 ft·lbf
10 N·m	7.3756 ft·lbf
20 N·m	14.7512 ft·lbf
50 N·m	36.8781 ft·lbf
75 N·m	55.3172 ft·lbf
100 N·m	73.7562 ft·lbf
150 N·m	110.6343 ft·lbf
200 N·m	147.5124 ft·lbf

ft-lbs to Nm Conversion Table

This table converts foot-pounds to newton-meters using 1 ft·lbf ≈ 1.3558179483 N·m.

Foot-Pounds	Newton-Meters
1 ft·lbf	1.3558 N·m
5 ft·lbf	6.7791 N·m
10 ft·lbf	13.5582 N·m
20 ft·lbf	27.1164 N·m
50 ft·lbf	67.7909 N·m
75 ft·lbf	101.6863 N·m
100 ft·lbf	135.5818 N·m
150 ft·lbf	203.3727 N·m
200 ft·lbf	271.1636 N·m

Worked Example: Convert Nm to ft-lbs

Suppose a service manual gives a torque value of 80 N·m, and you want to convert it to foot-pounds.

Step 1: Use the Nm to ft-lbs formula
ft·lbf = N·m × 0.7375621493

Step 2: Substitute the value
ft·lbf = 80 × 0.7375621493

Step 3: Calculate
ft·lbf ≈ 59.005 ft·lbf

So, 80 N·m is approximately 59.0 ft·lbf.

Worked Example: Convert ft-lbs to Nm

Suppose your torque wrench is marked in foot-pounds, and you need to convert 65 ft·lbf to newton-meters.

Step 1: Use the ft-lbs to Nm formula
N·m = ft·lbf × 1.3558179483314004

Step 2: Substitute the value
N·m = 65 × 1.3558179483314004

Step 3: Calculate
N·m ≈ 88.128 N·m

So, 65 ft·lbf is approximately 88.1 N·m.

Worked Example: Convert in-lbs to Nm

Suppose a small fastener torque is listed as 120 in·lbf.

Step 1: Use the inch-pound conversion factor
N·m = in·lbf × 0.1129848290276167

Step 2: Substitute the value
N·m = 120 × 0.1129848290276167

Step 3: Calculate
N·m ≈ 13.558 N·m

So, 120 in·lbf is approximately 13.56 N·m.

How to Use This Nm to ft-lbs Converter

1. Enter the known torque value.
2. Select the input unit, such as N·m, ft·lbf, in·lbf, kgf·cm, or kgf·m.
3. Click Calculate.
4. Review the converted torque values in the result panel.
5. Use the step-by-step derivation to check how the conversion was made.
6. Click Reset to clear the converter and start again.

How to Interpret the Result

Result	What It Means	Important Caution
Newton-meters	The torque value in the SI-style torque unit N·m.	Common in metric service manuals, engineering, machinery, automotive, and bicycle torque specifications.
Foot-pounds	The equivalent torque in pound-force feet, often written as ft·lbf, lbf·ft, lb-ft, or ft-lbs.	Common in US automotive and mechanical torque wrench settings.
Inch-pounds	The equivalent torque in pound-force inches.	Use carefully: 12 in·lbf = 1 ft·lbf, so confusing the two creates a 12× error.
Kilogram-force centimeters	The equivalent torque in kgf·cm.	Used in some small motor, hobby, and international equipment charts.
Joules per radian	A dimensionally equivalent torque expression.	For normal torque specifications, N·m is clearer than J/rad.
Step-by-step derivation	The conversion path used by the calculator.	Use it to confirm which input unit and conversion factor were applied.

Torque vs Energy

Torque and energy can share a similar dimensional form, but they describe different physical ideas. This is why torque is normally written as N·m instead of joules in torque specifications.

Concept	Meaning	Common Unit	Use Note
Torque	A turning effect caused by force applied at a distance from a pivot or axis.	N·m, ft·lbf, in·lbf	Used for fasteners, shafts, motors, tools, and rotational mechanics.
Energy / work	Work done or capacity to do work.	J, ft·lbf in energy context	Used for work, heat, kinetic energy, potential energy, and power calculations.

OpenStax describes torque as depending on force, lever arm distance, and the angle between them, with N·m as the torque unit. For service-manual or tool settings, use torque notation such as N·m, ft·lbf, or in·lbf rather than calling the value joules.

Why Torque Unit Accuracy Matters

Torque conversions are important because using the wrong unit can lead to under-tightening or over-tightening. This may damage fasteners, threads, wheels, engine parts, machinery, bicycles, or tools.

For example, confusing ft·lbf with in·lbf creates a factor-of-12 error. A setting of 120 in·lbf is only 10 ft·lbf, not 120 ft·lbf.

When a torque value is safety-critical, always verify the required torque in the service manual, manufacturer documentation, or engineering drawing.

Common Torque Units Explained

Unit	Meaning	Common Use
N·m	Newton-meter	SI-style torque specifications, automotive, engineering, bicycles, machinery, and tools.
ft·lbf	Pound-force foot	Automotive torque wrenches, US service manuals, machinery, and mechanical work.
in·lbf	Pound-force inch	Small fasteners, electronics, bicycles, low-torque tools, and precision assemblies.
kgf·cm	Kilogram-force centimeter	Small motors, tool charts, hobby equipment, and some international specifications.
kgf·m	Kilogram-force meter	Mechanical specifications using kilogram-force units.
N·cm	Newton-centimeter	Small torque values and precision applications.
N·mm	Newton-millimeter	Engineering drawings and small torque values.
J/rad	Joule per radian	Equivalent expression in some physics contexts; less clear for service torque specs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Why It Causes Problems
Confusing ft·lbf with in·lbf	1 ft·lbf equals 12 in·lbf, so this mistake can create a 12× torque error.
Assuming “ft-lbs,” “lb-ft,” “ft·lbf,” and “lbf·ft” are always written consistently	Different manuals and tools use different notation for pound-force foot torque.
Using energy units like joules for normal torque specifications	Torque and energy are different physical quantities even when dimensional forms look similar.
Rounding too aggressively for safety-critical fasteners	Small differences can matter for wheels, brakes, engine parts, structural fasteners, and precision assemblies.
Using a torque value from a different vehicle, component, or fastener size	Correct torque depends on manufacturer specification, fastener grade, material, and application.
Ignoring lubrication or thread condition	Dry, lubricated, damaged, dirty, or coated threads can require different procedures.
Ignoring tightening sequence or staged torque procedure	Some assemblies require staged tightening, torque angle, or a specific sequence.
Assuming the converter chooses the correct torque	The converter only changes units; it does not decide the correct specification.

Formula Summary

What You Want to Convert	Formula	Use Note
N·m to ft·lbf	ft·lbf = N·m × 0.7375621493	Use for metric-to-foot-pound torque conversion.
ft·lbf to N·m	N·m = ft·lbf × 1.3558179483314004	Use for foot-pound-to-metric torque conversion.
N·m to in·lbf	in·lbf = N·m ÷ 0.1129848290276167	Use for small fastener torque settings.
in·lbf to N·m	N·m = in·lbf × 0.1129848290276167	Use when converting inch-pound torque into N·m.
kgf·cm to N·m	N·m = kgf·cm × 0.0980665	Use for kilogram-force centimeter specifications.
kgf·m to N·m	N·m = kgf·m × 9.80665	Use for kilogram-force meter specifications.
N·cm to N·m	N·m = N·cm × 0.01	Use for newton-centimeter conversions.
N·mm to N·m	N·m = N·mm × 0.001	Use for newton-millimeter conversions.

Practical Uses

This Nm to ft-lbs Converter is useful whenever a torque specification and torque tool use different units.

Use Case	Why Conversion Helps
Automotive repair	Service manuals and torque wrenches may use different torque units.
Wheel lug nuts or wheel bolts	Correct torque conversion helps avoid under-tightening or over-tightening.
Bicycle maintenance	Many bicycle components use small torque values in N·m or in·lbf.
Machinery and equipment	Maintenance documents may use N·m, ft·lbf, kgf·m, or other units.
Engineering drawings	Drawings may specify N·mm, N·cm, or N·m depending on scale.
Small fasteners	Inch-pounds and newton-centimeters are common for lower torque values.
Tool chart comparison	Some tool charts use kgf·cm or kgf·m instead of N·m.

When to Be Extra Careful

Torque values can be safety-critical. In these cases, conversion should be treated as only one step in the full tightening procedure.

Application	Why Extra Care Is Needed
Wheel lug nuts or wheel bolts	Incorrect torque can affect wheel retention, thread condition, and safety.
Brake components	Fastener torque can affect braking system reliability.
Engine parts	Many engine fasteners require staged torque, sequence, or torque-angle procedures.
Suspension components	Incorrect torque can affect vehicle handling and component retention.
Structural fasteners	Correct tightening may be required for load transfer and joint reliability.
Pressure vessels or pipe flanges	Torque can affect sealing, gasket compression, and leakage risk.
Electrical terminals	Incorrect torque can cause loose connections, overheating, or damage.
Carbon bicycle components	Over-tightening can damage carbon parts; under-tightening can allow movement.
Precision assemblies	Small torque errors can affect alignment, preload, or component life.

Always follow the manufacturer’s torque specification, tightening sequence, lubrication note, torque angle instruction, and inspection procedure for safety-critical work.

When You May Need More Than This Converter

This converter changes torque units only. You may need manufacturer instructions, engineering review, or another calculator when torque is part of a larger procedure.

Need	Why This Converter Is Not Enough
Correct fastener torque value	Requires the service manual, manufacturer specification, or engineering drawing.
Torque-angle procedure	Requires staged tightening instructions and angle measurement after initial torque.
Bolt preload or clamp force	Requires fastener geometry, thread condition, friction, lubrication, and material data.
Thread lubrication correction	Requires the manufacturer’s dry/lubricated torque guidance.
Torque wrench calibration	Requires calibration equipment, service records, and accepted calibration procedure.
Power or rotational work	Requires rotational speed, angular displacement, or time, not torque alone.
Force at a lever arm	Use torque = force × perpendicular distance when solving mechanics problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert Nm to ft-lbs?

Multiply the N·m value by 0.7375621493. For example, 100 N·m × 0.7375621493 = 73.7562 ft·lbf.

How do I convert ft-lbs to Nm?

Multiply the ft·lbf value by 1.3558179483314004. For example, 100 ft·lbf × 1.3558179483314004 = 135.5818 N·m.

Is ft-lbs the same as lb-ft?

In common torque-wrench language, ft-lbs, lb-ft, ft·lbf, and lbf·ft are often used for pound-force foot torque. The technically clearer notation is ft·lbf or lbf·ft.

Is in-lbs the same as ft-lbs?

No. Inch-pounds and foot-pounds are different by a factor of 12. One ft·lbf equals 12 in·lbf.

Why does the calculator show J/rad?

J/rad can be used as a dimensionally equivalent expression for torque, but N·m is usually clearer for torque specifications.

Can this converter tell me the correct torque for a bolt?

No. It only converts units. The correct torque value must come from the manufacturer, service manual, engineering drawing, or qualified professional guidance.

Should I round torque values?

For casual comparisons, small rounding is usually fine. For safety-critical fasteners, follow the exact rounding and tolerance required by the service manual, manufacturer, or engineering procedure.

Why is torque conversion important?

Using the wrong torque unit can cause under-tightening or over-tightening. This can damage threads, parts, tools, or safety-critical assemblies.

References

1. NIST Guide to the SI — Appendix B.9: Torque Conversion Factors
2. NIST — Pound-force / lbf
3. BIPM — The International System of Units SI Brochure
4. OpenStax Physics — Rotational Motion and Torque
5. OpenStax University Physics — Torque

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Torque Converter Disclaimer

This Nm to ft-lbs Converter provides torque-unit conversions only. It converts a known torque value between N·m, ft·lbf, in·lbf, kgf·cm, kgf·m, N·cm, N·mm, and J/rad using standard conversion factors.

It does not determine the correct torque for a fastener, vehicle, wheel, brake component, engine part, suspension part, bicycle component, pipe flange, structural fastener, electrical terminal, machine, tool, or precision assembly. Correct torque can depend on fastener size, grade, material, lubrication, thread condition, washer type, surface finish, tightening sequence, torque angle, manufacturer procedure, and inspection requirements.

For safety-critical work, always verify the torque specification and procedure from the manufacturer, service manual, engineering drawing, calibrated tool documentation, inspector, mechanic, engineer, or qualified professional before applying torque.