Convert torque units — Newton-meter, pound-force foot, kilogram-force meter and more.
| Unit | Name | Value |
|---|---|---|
| N·m | Newton-meter | 9.80665 |
| kN·m | Kilonewton-meter | 0.00980665 |
| lbf·ft | Pound-force Foot | 7.2330029 |
| lbf·in | Pound-force Inch | 86.796035 |
| kgf·cm | Kilogram-force Centimeter | 100 |
| dyn·cm | Dyne-centimeter | 98066500 |
Formula: Pound-force Inch = Kilogram-force Meter × 86.8
Multiply any Kilogram-force Meter value by 86.8 to get Pound-force Inch.
Reverse: Kilogram-force Meter = Pound-force Inch × 0.01152
Common torque values — factor: 1 kgf·m = 86.8 lbf·in
| Kilogram-force Meter (kgf·m) | Pound-force Inch (lbf·in) | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 0.001 kgf·m | 0.0868 lbf·in | 1 N·m approx |
| 0.01 kgf·m | 0.868 lbf·in | 0.1 N·m |
| 0.1 kgf·m | 8.68 lbf·in | 1 N·m |
| 1 kgf·m | 86.8 lbf·in | ~9.8 N·m |
| 5 kgf·m | 434 lbf·in | ~49 N·m |
| 10 kgf·m | 868 lbf·in | ~98 N·m small car |
| 50 kgf·m | 4340 lbf·in | ~490 N·m car engine |
| 100 kgf·m | 8680 lbf·in | ~981 N·m |
| 500 kgf·m | 4.34e+04 lbf·in | ~4,900 N·m |
| 1000 kgf·m | 8.68e+04 lbf·in | ~9,800 N·m |
| 5000 kgf·m | 4.34e+05 lbf·in | ~49 kN·m |
| 1e+04 kgf·m | 8.68e+05 lbf·in | ~98 kN·m |
| 1e+05 kgf·m | 8.68e+06 lbf·in | ~981 kN·m |
| 1e+06 kgf·m | 8.68e+07 lbf·in | ~9.8 MN·m |
| 1e+07 kgf·m | 8.68e+08 lbf·in | Max scale |
1 kgf·m = 86.8 lbf·in.
Use N·m as the bridge: convert kgf·m → N·m → lbf·in.
Multiply result by 0.01152 to recover the original kgf·m value.
Specifies engine torque output, drivetrain components, and wheel bolt torque in N·m and lbf·ft.
Designs fastener assemblies with torque specifications to achieve required bolt preload.
Selects motors and servos based on torque ratings in N·m or kgf·cm for joint actuation.
Calculates bending moments in beams and frames — moment = torque in structural analysis.
Follows torque charts in lbf·in and lbf·ft for airframe and engine fasteners per maintenance manuals.
Applies correct torque to flanges, pipe fittings, and coupling bolts using calibrated torque wrenches.
Kilogram-force meter (kgf·m) is a traditional metric torque unit where the force is expressed as the weight of one kilogram under standard gravity. One kgf·m = 9.80665 N·m. It was widely used before SI standardization.
kgf·m remains in use in older machinery manuals, Japanese and Russian engineering documentation, and some legacy industrial specifications. A torque of 1 kgf·m equals the torque from 1 kg hanging 1 meter from a pivot.
Interesting fact: The kgf·m is sometimes loosely called 'meter-kilogram' or 'kilogram-meter' in older texts. The confusion between kgf (force) and kg (mass) is why SI replaced it with the newton-meter.
Pound-force inch (lbf·in) equals 1/12 of lbf·ft (0.112985 N·m) and is used for small fasteners, electronics, precision instruments, and applications where lbf·ft would be impractically small.
lbf·in is standard for small fasteners in electronics manufacturing, firearms assembly, and precision instruments. Torque screwdrivers for electronics typically range from 0.5–20 lbf·in. Aircraft fastener specifications often use in·lbf.
Interesting fact: Overtorquing small electronics screws (which often need only 1–3 lbf·in) is a leading cause of cracked PCBs and stripped threads in consumer electronics assembly.
Converting Kilogram-force Meter to Pound-force Inch is common across automotive, mechanical, robotics, and structural engineering. Metric countries use N·m and kN·m; the US uses lbf·ft and lbf·in; robotics uses kgf·cm. Accurate conversion is essential when working with international workshop manuals, equipment specs, and torque wrenches.
Quick reference: 10 kgf·m = 868 lbf·in. Reverse: 1 lbf·in = 0.01152 kgf·m. Exact factor: 1 kgf·m = 86.8 lbf·in.
All conversions use IEEE 754 double-precision arithmetic, accurate to at least 8 significant figures.