Convert torque units — Newton-meter, pound-force foot, kilogram-force meter and more.
| Unit | Name | Value |
|---|---|---|
| kN·m | Kilonewton-meter | 0.001 |
| lbf·ft | Pound-force Foot | 0.73756103 |
| lbf·in | Pound-force Inch | 8.8507324 |
| kgf·m | Kilogram-force Meter | 0.10197162 |
| kgf·cm | Kilogram-force Centimeter | 10.197162 |
| dyn·cm | Dyne-centimeter | 10000000 |
Formula: Kilogram-force Centimeter = Newton-meter × 10.2
Multiply any Newton-meter value by 10.2 to get Kilogram-force Centimeter.
Reverse: Newton-meter = Kilogram-force Centimeter × 0.09807
Common torque values — factor: 1 N·m = 10.2 kgf·cm
| Newton-meter (N·m) | Kilogram-force Centimeter (kgf·cm) | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 0.001 N·m | 0.0102 kgf·cm | Tiny mechanism |
| 0.01 N·m | 0.102 kgf·cm | Small spring |
| 0.1 N·m | 1.02 kgf·cm | Small screw |
| 1 N·m | 10.2 kgf·cm | 1 N·m reference |
| 5 N·m | 50.99 kgf·cm | 5 N·m small engine |
| 10 N·m | 102 kgf·cm | Bike bolt |
| 50 N·m | 509.9 kgf·cm | Small engine idle |
| 100 N·m | 1020 kgf·cm | Small car engine |
| 200 N·m | 2039 kgf·cm | Mid-size car engine |
| 400 N·m | 4079 kgf·cm | Performance car |
| 500 N·m | 5099 kgf·cm | Large engine |
| 1000 N·m | 1.02e+04 kgf·cm | 1 kN·m heavy |
| 5000 N·m | 5.099e+04 kgf·cm | 5 kN·m industrial |
| 1e+04 N·m | 1.02e+05 kgf·cm | 10 kN·m gearbox |
| 4e+06 N·m | 4.079e+07 kgf·cm | 4 MN·m wind turbine |
N·m × 10.197 = kgf·cm. Round to × 10.2.
1 N·m ≈ 10.2 kgf·cm.
kgf·cm × 0.09807 = N·m.
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.
The newton-meter (N·m) is the SI unit of torque (and also of energy — though context distinguishes them). It equals the torque produced by a force of one newton applied at a perpendicular distance of one meter from the pivot point. It was formally adopted with the SI system in 1960.
N·m is the universal torque unit in engineering specifications worldwide. Engine torque, fastener torque specifications, structural bolt preloads, and industrial machinery torque ratings all use N·m in metric specifications.
Interesting fact: 1 N·m of torque equals 1 joule of energy — but they are conceptually different: torque is a rotational force (vector), energy is a scalar. The same unit is used because both involve force × distance, just in different geometric contexts.
Kilogram-force centimeter (kgf·cm) equals 0.01 kgf·m = 0.0980665 N·m. It is used for small motors, servos, and precision mechanical components, particularly in Japanese and Asian engineering datasheets.
RC servo motors, stepper motors, and small gear motors are commonly rated in kgf·cm. A typical hobby servo produces 3–10 kgf·cm; industrial servos range from 100 to 10,000 kgf·cm.
Interesting fact: A servo motor rated at 10 kgf·cm can hold a 10 kg weight at the end of a 1 cm arm — or equivalently, 1 kg at the end of a 10 cm arm. This intuitive interpretation is why kgf·cm persists in robotics and hobby electronics.
Converting Newton-meter to Kilogram-force Centimeter 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 N·m = 102 kgf·cm. Reverse: 1 kgf·cm = 0.09807 N·m. Exact factor: 1 N·m = 10.2 kgf·cm.
All conversions use IEEE 754 double-precision arithmetic, accurate to at least 8 significant figures.