Newton meters to foot-pounds (N·m to lbf·ft) converter

What is a newton meters to foot-pounds converter?

A newton meters to foot-pounds converter is an online tool that translates a torque value expressed in newton meters (N·m) into its equivalent in foot-pounds (lbf·ft), and back again. It bridges the metric system, where torque is measured in newton meters, and the imperial (US customary) system, where torque is commonly stated in foot-pounds. Anyone who works with tools, fasteners, or rotating machinery built to different national standards relies on this kind of conversion to apply the correct amount of twist.

Newton meters and foot-pounds

Torque is the rotational equivalent of force: a force applied at a distance from a pivot. One newton meter is the torque produced when a force of one newton acts at a perpendicular distance of one meter from the axis of rotation. One foot-pound (more precisely a pound-force foot, lbf·ft) is the torque produced when one pound-force acts at a perpendicular distance of one foot. Because one pound-force is larger than one newton and one foot is shorter than one meter, the foot-pound ends up being the larger unit: 1 N·m is about 0.737562 lbf·ft, while 1 lbf·ft is about 1.355818 N·m.

This converter also supports related torque units such as pound-force inches (lbf·in) and kilogram-force meters (kgf·m), so you can switch between the metric and imperial families without doing the arithmetic by hand.

How does the converter work?

Enter a value in either field and the other field updates automatically. Use the unit selectors to choose the exact source and target units before typing, since changing a unit re-interprets the number you have already entered. Internally the tool converts your input to a common base unit and then expresses the result in the unit you requested, which keeps the two sides consistent in both directions.

Formula for conversion

Torque conversions are simple multiplications by a fixed factor.

For newton meters to foot-pounds: $\text{lbf·ft} = \text{N·m} \times 0.737562$

For foot-pounds to newton meters: $\text{N·m} = \text{lbf·ft} \times 1.355818$

For newton meters to pound-force inches: $\text{lbf·in} = \text{N·m} \times 8.850746$

For pound-force inches to newton meters: $\text{N·m} = \text{lbf·in} \times 0.112985$

Newton meters to foot-pounds conversion table

The following table lists common newton meter values with their foot-pound and pound-force inch equivalents:

Examples

Example 1: One newton meter to foot-pounds

Convert 1 N·m to foot-pounds using the factor 0.737562:

$1 \text{ N·m} \times 0.737562 = 0.737562 \text{ lbf·ft}$

Example 2: Foot-pounds back to newton meters

A torque spec of 1 lbf·ft needs to be applied with a metric torque wrench. Converting to newton meters with the factor 1.355818:

$1 \text{ lbf·ft} \times 1.355818 = 1.355818 \text{ N·m}$

Example 3: A larger torque value

A wheel-nut specification of 100 N·m is given in a workshop manual, but the available torque wrench reads in foot-pounds:

$100 \text{ N·m} \times 0.737562 = 73.7562 \text{ lbf·ft}$

Example 4: Newton meters to pound-force inches

Small fasteners are often specified in pound-force inches. Converting 1 N·m using the factor 8.850746:

$1 \text{ N·m} \times 8.850746 = 8.850746 \text{ lbf·in}$

Notes

• Foot-pounds and pound-force inches differ by a factor of 12 (1 foot = 12 inches), so do not confuse lbf·ft with lbf·in when reading a specification.
• The conversion factor for torque is the same magnitude as the one used for energy (joules to foot-pounds), but torque and energy are physically different quantities and should not be added together.
• For critical fastener work, always follow the manufacturer’s torque specification and use a calibrated torque wrench.

Frequently asked questions

How many foot-pounds are in a newton meter?

One newton meter equals about 0.737562 foot-pounds. To convert any value, multiply the number of newton meters by 0.737562.

How many newton meters are in a foot-pound?

One foot-pound equals about 1.355818 newton meters. Multiply the number of foot-pounds by 1.355818 to get the equivalent in newton meters.

How do I convert 100 N·m to foot-pounds?

Multiply 100 by 0.737562, which gives approximately 73.76 lbf·ft.

What is the difference between lbf·ft and lbf·in?

Both measure torque, but a foot-pound (lbf·ft) is 12 times larger than a pound-force inch (lbf·in) because there are 12 inches in a foot. One N·m equals about 0.737562 lbf·ft or 8.850746 lbf·in.

Can I convert newton meters to kilogram-force meters here?

Yes. This converter also offers kilogram-force meters (kgf·m) as a unit option, so you can switch between metric torque units as well as imperial ones. If you need to go the other direction, use our foot-pound to newton meter converter.

Is the torque conversion factor exact?

The factor 0.737562 (and its inverse 1.355818) is rounded for everyday use. The defining relationship comes from the exact pound-force and foot definitions, so for most engineering and workshop tasks these rounded values are precise enough.