Is torque the same as moment of force?

Torque and moment of force are closely related and often used interchangeably. In physics, both describe the rotational effect of a force. In engineering, ‘torque’ typically refers to a twisting force along a shaft, while ‘moment’ refers to a force causing bending or rotation about a fixed point. Both are measured in N·m.

Torque Converter

N·m · ft·lb · in·lb · kgf·m · kgf·cm · ozf·in

Convert torque units instantly between metric and imperial systems. Supports Newton-metres, foot-pounds, inch-pounds, kgf·m and more. Free online tool for engineers and mechanics.

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Key Formulas

1 N·m = 0.7376 ft·lb
1 ft·lb = 1.3558 N·m
1 kgf·m = 9.8067 N·m

Formula: 1 N·m = 1 N·m

Conversion Table

Unit	Name	Value

About Torque Units

Torque is the rotational equivalent of linear force — it measures how much a force causes an object to rotate. The SI unit is the newton-metre (N·m), defined as a force of one newton applied at a perpendicular distance of one metre from the pivot. In automotive engineering, torque specifications appear in both N·m (metric) and ft·lb (imperial), making conversion essential for mechanics worldwide.

The foot-pound (ft·lb) is standard in the US and UK for engine and fastener torque. The inch-pound (in·lb) is used for smaller fasteners and precision instruments. Older European and Asian engineering documents often cite kgf·m (kilogram-force metre), equal to 9.80665 N·m. Understanding these conversions ensures correct tightening of fasteners, accurate engine data interpretation, and safe mechanical assembly.

Quick Reference — Common Torque Conversions

1 N·m

0.7376 ft·lb

= 8.8507 in·lb

1 ft·lb

1.35582 N·m

= 12 in·lb

1 kgf·m

9.80665 N·m

= 7.233 ft·lb

1 in·lb

0.11299 N·m

= 0.08333 ft·lb

1 kN·m

1,000 N·m

= 737.56 ft·lb

100 N·m

73.756 ft·lb

= 10.197 kgf·m

1 kgf·cm

0.09807 N·m

= 0.8681 in·lb

50 ft·lb

67.79 N·m

= 5.099 kgf·m

200 N·m

147.51 ft·lb

= 20.39 kgf·m

1 dyn·cm

1×10⁻⁷ N·m

CGS torque unit

Worked Examples

100 N·m to ft·lb

Multiply by 0.73756. Engine torque of 100 N·m is common in small cars.

100 × 0.73756 = 73.76 ft·lb

50 ft·lb to N·m

Multiply by 1.35582. Wheel lug nut torque is often specified in ft·lb.

50 × 1.35582 = 67.79 N·m

10 kgf·m to N·m

Multiply by 9.80665. kgf·m is common in older JIS and DIN documents.

10 × 9.80665 = 98.07 N·m

200 in·lb to N·m

Multiply by 0.112985. Inch-pounds are used for small fasteners and appliances.

200 × 0.112985 = 22.60 N·m

Where Torque Conversion Is Used

Automotive & Engines

Engine torque specs appear in N·m or ft·lb. Wheel lug nuts, head bolts, and spark plugs all have specific torque requirements.

Bicycle Mechanics

Carbon fibre components require precise torque, typically 3–10 N·m. Torque wrenches with N·m scales are standard in cycle workshops.

Aerospace

Aircraft fasteners are torqued to tight tolerances in in·lb or N·m. Incorrect torque can lead to fatigue failure in critical components.

Manufacturing

Assembly lines use torque tools calibrated in N·m or ft·lb to ensure consistent fastener tightening across production batches.

Fastener Tightening

Bolt torque charts specify required values in N·m or ft·lb depending on bolt grade, size, and lubrication state.

Robotics

Servo motors and actuators are rated in N·m. Robotics engineers convert between N·m, oz·in and kgf·cm when selecting motors.

Mental Math Tips

N·m to ft·lb

N·m × 0.738 = ft·lb
÷ 1.356 also works

ft·lb to N·m

ft·lb × 1.356 = N·m
Multiply by ~1.36

kgf·m to N·m

kgf·m × 9.807 = N·m
≈ × 10 for rough math

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Frequently Asked Questions

Torque is the rotational equivalent of linear force — it is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis. It is calculated as force multiplied by the perpendicular distance from the axis (the moment arm). The SI unit is the newton-metre (N·m).

Torque is a rotational force measured in N·m or ft·lb, while power is how quickly that force does work, measured in watts or horsepower. The relationship is: Power (W) = Torque (N·m) × Angular velocity (rad/s). High torque at low RPM gives strong pulling force; high power means rapid work output.

A newton-metre (N·m) is the SI unit of torque. It represents a force of one newton applied at a perpendicular distance of one metre from the pivot. It is the most widely used torque unit in engineering and automotive specifications globally.

Typical petrol car engines produce 150–400 N·m (110–295 ft·lb) of torque. Diesel engines often produce more — 300–700 N·m. Electric motors can deliver peak torque of 400–1,000 N·m instantly from zero RPM, giving them exceptional acceleration characteristics.

To convert foot-pounds (ft·lb) to newton-metres (N·m), multiply by 1.35582. For example, 50 ft·lb × 1.35582 ≈ 67.79 N·m. To go the other way, multiply N·m by 0.73756 to get ft·lb. Our converter above handles both directions instantly.

Kilogram-force metre (kgf·m) is a metric unit of torque equal to the torque produced by a force of one kilogram-force applied at one metre. One kgf·m equals 9.80665 N·m. It is common in older European and Asian engineering documents, particularly JIS and older DIN standards.

Torque and moment of force are closely related and often used interchangeably. In physics, both describe the rotational effect of a force. In engineering, \u2018torque\u2019 typically refers to a twisting force along a shaft, while \u2018moment\u2019 refers to a force causing bending or rotation about a fixed point. Both are measured in N·m.

All Torque Conversions

Common

kN·m → N·m N·m → kN·m

Metric

N·m → kN·m kN·m → N·m