Torque Converter
Convert Newton-meters, pound-feet, and kilogram-centimeters.
Unit
Torque Converter
Generated on April 24, 2026
?What is the Torque Converter?
A torque converter translates between the units used for rotational force: newton-meters (SI), pound-feet (imperial, common in US automotive), pound-inches (small precision work), kilogram-centimeters (small motors), and kilogram-meters (heavy machinery). Torque is how hard something twists — your engine's ability to pull, your wrench's ability to crack loose a rusted bolt, your motor's ability to spin a heavy load. Getting torque values right matters for everything from tightening a head bolt to sizing an industrial servo.
The Formula
Torque equals force multiplied by the perpendicular lever-arm distance. So N·m = newton × meter, lb·ft = pound-force × feet. Although torque is dimensionally identical to energy (both are force × distance), torque is a directional rotational quantity (a vector) while energy is scalar — which is why we do not use joules for torque, even though the math would match. In automotive contexts, US market cars quote torque in lb·ft while European and Japanese makers quote N·m.
Practical Examples
A car engine rated at 400 N·m produces about 295 lb·ft of torque — common in modern turbocharged 2-liter engines.
A bolt specification of 80 lb·ft equals 108.5 N·m — the torque at which most wheel lug nuts on passenger cars are tightened.
A bicycle's crank experiences roughly 100 N·m when a 75 kg rider stands on the pedal — enough to climb a steep hill.
Industrial gear motors rated at 1,000 kg·cm deliver about 98 N·m of output torque — useful for sizing conveyors.
An impact wrench rated at 1,000 ft-lb can remove most seized wheel bolts — while a cordless driver usually tops out at 40–80 N·m.
Electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S deliver up to 1,420 N·m instantly — over twice a typical sports car's internal-combustion torque.