Torque Converter

To convert newton meters to foot-pounds, divide by 1.35582. For example, 100 Nm ÷ 1.35582 = 73.76 ft-lbs. To convert foot-pounds to newton meters, multiply by 1.35582. This is commonly needed for torque specifications on car wheel bolts, spark plugs, and bicycle components.

Foot-pounds (ft-lbs) and inch-pounds (in-lbs) are both imperial torque units. There are exactly 12 inch-pounds in one foot-pound. Foot-pounds are used for larger fasteners like lug nuts (80–130 ft-lbs) and cylinder heads. Inch-pounds are used for smaller fasteners like bicycle stem bolts (5–8 Nm = 44–71 in-lbs) and precision instruments.

Most passenger car lug nuts require 80–130 ft-lbs (108–176 Nm) of torque. Always check your vehicle's owner manual for the exact specification. Over-torquing can warp brake rotors or break studs; under-torquing can cause wheels to loosen. Use a calibrated torque wrench for safety.

A kilogram-force meter (kgf·m) is a metric torque unit based on gravitational force rather than SI units. One kgf·m equals 9.80665 Nm (approximately 10 Nm). It is sometimes used in older technical documents and some Asian automotive manuals. For modern engineering, newton meters (Nm) is the preferred SI unit.