Foot-Pound to Newton-Meter Converter
Professional torque conversion tool for accurate ft·lb to N·m calculations used in engineering, automotive, and mechanical applications
Result precision:
Enter any non-negative torque value
Conversion formula: N·m = ft·lb × 1.3558179483
Quick Torque Conversions
Torque Conversion Tables
Foot-Pounds to Newton-Meters
Common torque values converted from imperial to metric
| Foot-Pounds (ft·lb) | ≈ | Newton-Meters (N·m) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ft·lb | ≈ | 1.3558 N·m |
| 5 ft·lb | ≈ | 6.7791 N·m |
| 10 ft·lb | ≈ | 13.5582 N·m |
| 20 ft·lb | ≈ | 27.1164 N·m |
| 50 ft·lb | ≈ | 67.7909 N·m |
| 100 ft·lb | ≈ | 135.5818 N·m |
| 500 ft·lb | ≈ | 677.9090 N·m |
| 1000 ft·lb | ≈ | 1355.8179 N·m |
Newton-Meters to Foot-Pounds
Common torque values converted from metric to imperial
| Newton-Meters (N·m) | ≈ | Foot-Pounds (ft·lb) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 N·m | ≈ | 0.7376 ft·lb |
| 5 N·m | ≈ | 3.6878 ft·lb |
| 10 N·m | ≈ | 7.3756 ft·lb |
| 20 N·m | ≈ | 14.7512 ft·lb |
| 50 N·m | ≈ | 36.8781 ft·lb |
| 100 N·m | ≈ | 73.7562 ft·lb |
| 500 N·m | ≈ | 368.7811 ft·lb |
| 1000 N·m | ≈ | 737.5621 ft·lb |
About Torque Conversions
Conversion Formulas
Foot-Pounds to Newton-Meters
N·m = ft·lb × 1.3558179483
Example: 50 ft·lb × 1.3558179483 = 67.7909 N·m
Newton-Meters to Foot-Pounds
ft·lb = N·m × 0.7375621493
Example: 100 N·m × 0.7375621493 = 73.7562 ft·lb
Torque Unit Definitions
Foot-Pound (ft·lb)
An imperial unit of torque. One foot-pound is the torque created by one pound-force applied to one foot of lever arm. It is commonly used in the United States for automotive and mechanical applications.
Newton-Meter (N·m)
The SI unit of torque. One newton-meter is the torque created by one newton of force applied to one meter of lever arm. It is the international standard unit used in engineering, science, and most countries worldwide.
Practical Applications of Torque Conversion
Automotive Industry
Torque specifications for bolts, nuts, and fasteners in vehicle repair and maintenance.
Mechanical Engineering
Design and analysis of machinery, engines, and rotating components.
Industrial Manufacturing
Setting torque values for assembly lines and quality control.
DIY and Home Improvement
Using torque wrenches for projects requiring precise fastener tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both units measure torque (rotational force), but they belong to different measurement systems:
- Foot-pounds (ft·lb): Part of the imperial system, primarily used in the United States and United Kingdom.
- Newton-meters (N·m): Part of the metric/SI system, used internationally in science, engineering, and most countries.
The conversion factor between them is precisely defined: 1 ft·lb = 1.3558179483 N·m.
Common scenarios requiring torque unit conversion include:
- Automotive repair using international specifications or imported tools
- Engineering projects involving both imperial and metric components
- Reading technical documentation from international manufacturers
- Using torque wrenches calibrated in a different unit system
- Academic or professional engineering calculations
This converter uses the internationally recognized conversion factor:
This is the precise conversion factor defined by international standards organizations. You can adjust the result precision from 0 to 6 decimal places to match your specific needs, from quick estimates to engineering-grade calculations.
For most practical applications like automotive repair, 2-4 decimal places provide more than sufficient accuracy.
While torque and energy share similar units (force × distance), they represent different physical concepts:
- Torque: Measures rotational force around an axis (vector quantity)
- Energy: Measures the capacity to do work (scalar quantity)
To avoid confusion, scientists often use different terminology: "foot-pounds" for torque versus "foot-pounds-force" for energy, and "newton-meters" for torque versus "joules" (which are equivalent to newton-meters) for energy.