What's the difference between torque and horsepower?

Torque is rotational force (measured in N·m or ft·lb). Horsepower is the rate of doing work—power. They're related: HP = (Torque × RPM) / 5252 (using ft·lb). Torque determines pulling/acceleration force; horsepower determines how fast that force can be maintained at speed.

Why are torque wrench settings important?

Proper torque ensures fasteners are tight enough to hold securely but not so tight they strip threads, crack components, or create stress failures. Under-torqued bolts can loosen; over-torqued bolts can break or damage threads. Critical applications like wheels, cylinder heads, and structural joints require specific torque values.

How do I convert N·m to ft·lb?

Multiply Newton meters by 0.7376 to get foot-pounds. Example: 150 N·m × 0.7376 = 110.6 ft·lb. For a quick estimate, multiply by 0.74 or remember that 1 N·m ≈ ¾ ft·lb.

What is the formula for torque?

Torque (τ) = Force (F) × Distance (r) × sin(θ), where θ is the angle between force and lever arm. For perpendicular force: τ = F × r. In rotational dynamics: τ = I × α (moment of inertia × angular acceleration), analogous to F = ma.

Is it ft·lb or lb·ft?

Both notations are used for torque (foot-pound or pound-foot). They mean the same thing: one pound of force at one foot radius. Technically, lb·ft is preferred to distinguish from ft·lbf (foot-pound-force) energy unit, but ft·lb is widely used in automotive contexts.

扭矩 Converter

About Torque Conversion

Torque (also called moment of force) measures rotational force—the tendency of a force to cause rotation around an axis. It's the product of force and the perpendicular distance from the axis to the line of action of that force (τ = F × r). While force pushes or pulls in a straight line, torque twists or turns. Every time you turn a doorknob, tighten a bolt, or steer a car, you're applying torque.

The SI unit is Newton meter (N·m), while automotive applications in the US often use foot-pounds (ft·lb) or the older kilogram-force meters (kgf·m). Torque is crucial for specifying engine performance (determining acceleration and towing capacity), fastener specifications (preventing both loose connections and stripped threads), and any mechanical system involving rotation from bicycles to industrial robots.

Our converter handles all standard torque units for automotive, engineering, construction, and mechanical applications.

Common Torque Conversions

From	To	Multiply By
N·m	ft·lb (lb·ft)	0.7376
ft·lb	N·m	1.3558
N·m	kgf·m	0.10197
kgf·m	N·m	9.80665
N·m	in·lb	8.8507
in·lb	N·m	0.11298
ft·lb	in·lb	12
in·lb	ft·lb	0.08333
N·m	N·cm	100
kgf·cm	N·m	0.09807

Torque Unit Reference

Newton meter (N·m) – The SI unit of torque, used in engineering specifications worldwide. 1 N·m = force of 1 Newton acting at 1 meter from the rotation axis. European car specifications, most industrial equipment, and scientific applications use N·m exclusively. A typical sedan engine produces 200-400 N·m peak torque.

Foot-pound (ft·lb or lb·ft) – Common in US automotive, aerospace, and construction. Force of one pound-force acting at one foot radius. Note: sometimes written lb·ft to distinguish from the ft·lb energy unit. US engine specs and torque wrench settings predominantly use ft·lb.

Kilogram-force meter (kgf·m) – Gravitational metric unit where 1 kgf·m = force from 1 kg mass due to standard gravity (9.80665 m/s²) acting at 1 meter. Common in older European and Asian specifications. Being phased out in favor of N·m but still found in legacy documentation.

Inch-pound (in·lb) – Used for smaller fasteners, electronics, and precision applications. 1 ft·lb = 12 in·lb exactly. Common in aerospace specifications, circuit board assembly, and any application where fasteners are small and over-torquing risks damage.

Newton centimeter (N·cm) – Used for small torque applications like instrument adjustments. 1 N·m = 100 N·cm exactly. Convenient for specifying torques in the 0.1-10 N·m range without decimals.

Dyne centimeter (dyn·cm) – CGS unit for very small torques in physics and laboratory settings. 1 N·m = 10⁷ dyn·cm. Appears in older physics literature and some specialized scientific instruments.

Learn More

Explore our in-depth guides on this topic:

扭矩

About Torque Conversion

Common Torque Conversions

Torque Unit Reference

Learn More

相关文章

扭矩概念详解

Torque Wrenches and Fasteners: Proper Tightening Techniques

Torque in Vehicles: Engine Performance Explained