Convert Nm to ft-lbs and ft-lbs to Nm
Torque measurements crop up whenever you need to tighten a bolt to a specific force, from changing a car wheel to assembling flat-pack furniture. In the UK, vehicle service manuals and European-made tools specify torque in Newton metres (Nm), while American tools, some motorcycle manuals, and older British engineering references use foot pounds (ft-lbs). Being able to convert between the two is essential for safe, accurate mechanical work. One Newton metre equals approximately 0.7376 foot pounds. The Newton metre is the SI (International System) unit of torque, representing the force of one Newton applied at a distance of one metre from the pivot point. A foot pound represents one pound of force at a distance of one foot. Despite sounding similar to the energy unit "foot-pound-force," in the torque context they describe rotational force rather than energy. This converter translates between Nm and ft-lbs instantly, and also shows kilogram-force centimetres (kgf-cm, common on some Asian tools) and inch-pounds (in-lbs, used for smaller fasteners). Whether you are servicing your car, setting up a bicycle, or working on industrial equipment, getting the torque right prevents damage and ensures safety.
To use the Newton metres to foot pounds converter: 1. Select the conversion direction. Choose "Newton Metres to Foot Pounds" if you have an Nm specification. Choose "Foot Pounds to Newton Metres" for the reverse. 2. For Nm to ft-lbs: Enter the Newton metre value. The converter shows ft-lbs, kgf-cm, and in-lbs. 3. For ft-lbs to Nm: Enter the foot pound value. The converter shows Nm, kgf-cm, and in-lbs. 4. Results update instantly and are precise to four decimal places.
The conversion uses the factor: 1 Nm = 0.737562 ft-lbs. Newton Metres to Foot Pounds: ft-lbs = Nm x 0.737562 kgf-cm = Nm x 10.1972 in-lbs = ft-lbs x 12 Example: 110 Nm = 110 x 0.737562 = 81.13 ft-lbs = 1,121.69 kgf-cm = 973.58 in-lbs Foot Pounds to Newton Metres: Nm = ft-lbs / 0.737562 (or ft-lbs x 1.35582) kgf-cm = Nm x 10.1972 Example: 80 ft-lbs = 80 / 0.737562 = 108.47 Nm = 1,106.01 kgf-cm Quick mental shortcut: multiply Nm by 3/4 to estimate ft-lbs (e.g., 100 Nm x 3/4 = 75 ft-lbs, actual: 73.8 ft-lbs).
Inputs: Newton Metres: 110. Direction: Nm to ft-lbs.
Inputs: Foot Pounds: 5. Direction: ft-lbs to Nm.
Inputs: Newton Metres: 27. Direction: Nm to ft-lbs.
Common UK automotive torque specs: wheel nuts 80-140 Nm (59-103 ft-lbs) depending on vehicle, spark plugs 20-30 Nm (15-22 ft-lbs), oil drain plug 25-45 Nm (18-33 ft-lbs), cylinder head bolts 50-100 Nm (37-74 ft-lbs, often with angle tightening). Bicycle torques: handlebars 5-7 Nm, seat post 5-8 Nm, pedals 30-40 Nm. Always use a calibrated torque wrench for critical fasteners.