Convert between Newton-metres (Nm), foot-pounds (ft-lb), inch-pounds (in-lb) and kilogram-centimetres (kg-cm). Type in any unit, see all four at once.
Type a value into any field. The other three update instantly.
| Application | Nm | ft-lb |
|---|---|---|
| Family-car wheel nuts (typical) | 110 to 130 | 81 to 96 |
| Bicycle stem bolts (typical) | 5 to 7 | 3.7 to 5.2 |
| Motorcycle axle nut (typical) | 90 to 110 | 66 to 81 |
| Spark plug (most car petrol engines) | 20 to 30 | 15 to 22 |
Always confirm with the manufacturer's service data. These are typical ranges, not specifications.
Type a value in any of the four boxes. The other three update instantly. The conversion factors come from NIST and ISO 80000-4: 1 ft-lb equals 1.355 817 948 Nm exactly (the inverse, 1 Nm equals 0.737 562 149 ft-lb). For reference, 1 ft-lb equals 12 in-lb, and 1 kg-cm equals 0.098 066 5 Nm. The page does no rounding on input. Display is rounded to 4 decimal places for readability; the underlying value is precise.
Most family cars sit around 110 to 130 Nm (about 81 to 96 ft-lb) for steel wheels. Always check your owner's manual or the manufacturer's service data: alloy wheels, larger SUVs and performance cars can need more. Over-torqueing risks stretching the studs.
They are the same unit. ft-lb (foot-pound) and lb-ft (pound-foot) refer to identical torque; the order is convention only. Some torque wrenches print one, some print the other. This calculator uses ft-lb because it matches the SI ordering (length then force).
Yes, this is the exact factor under SI (NIST SP 811): 1 ft equals 0.3048 m exactly, and 1 lbf equals 4.448 221 615 260 5 N exactly, giving 1 ft-lbf equals 1.355 817 948 331 4004 Nm. We display 4 decimals; the underlying number is the full precision.
A no-frills torque converter for UK mechanics, cyclists, and DIY-ers. The page runs entirely in your browser. No accounts, no data collection beyond Google Analytics 4 with Consent Mode v2. Conversion factors are taken from NIST Special Publication 811 (Guide for the Use of the International System of Units) and ISO 80000-4 (Quantities and units: Mechanics).
For guidance only. This tool does not constitute professional advice. If your situation is complex, speak to a qualified professional.
Last reviewed: 21 May 2026.
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