Nm to Ft-lb Converter - Convert Newton-meters to Foot-pounds
Free Nm to ft-lb converter for converting between Newton-meters (N·m) and foot-pounds (ft-lb). Our converter provides instant, accurate torque conversions with real-time bidirectional calculation. Perfect for automotive engineering, mechanical design, bolt tightening specifications, and converting between metric and US customary torque units. Simple, fast, and reliable torque unit conversion.
Last updated: January 24, 2026
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Conversion Formula:
1 N·m = 0.7376 ft-lb
1 ft-lb = 1.3558 N·m
Enter a value in either field to see the conversion. The calculator updates in real-time as you type. Note: Foot-pounds (ft-lb) and pounds-force (lbf) are different units - ft-lb measures torque, while lbf measures force.
Conversion Result:
10.00 N·m = 7.38 ft-lb
Understanding Newton-meters and Foot-pounds
Definition
1 N·m = 0.7376 ft-lb
A Newton-meter is the SI unit of torque, representing the force of one newton applied to a moment arm of one meter. It's commonly used in engineering, automotive, and mechanical applications worldwide. One N·m is also equivalent to one joule (J), the SI unit of work and energy.
- Standard SI unit for torque
- Used worldwide in engineering
- Also equals 1 joule
Definition
1 ft-lb = 1.3558 N·m
A foot-pound is a unit of torque in the US customary system, representing the force of one pound applied to a moment arm of one foot. It's commonly used in the United States for automotive specifications, mechanical engineering, and torque wrench measurements.
- Used in US engineering
- Common in automotive specs
- Standard for torque wrenches
Quick Example Result
Converting 10 Newton-meters to foot-pounds:
Input
10 N·m
Result
7.376 ft-lb
How Our Nm to Ft-lb Converter Works
Our Nm to ft-lb converter provides instant, accurate conversion between Newton-meters and foot-pounds. The conversion uses the standard relationship: 1 N·m = 0.7375621492772654 ft-lb, which is derived from the relationship between the newton and pound-force, and the meter and foot.
Conversion Formula
1 N·m = 0.7375621492772654 ft-lb1 ft-lb = 1.3558179483314004 N·mTo convert Nm to ft-lb: ft-lb = Nm × 0.7376To convert ft-lb to Nm: Nm = ft-lb × 1.3558The conversion factor comes from: 1 pound-force = 4.44822 newtons and 1 foot = 0.3048 meters. Combining these: 1 ft-lb = 1 lbf × 1 ft = 4.44822 N × 0.3048 m = 1.3558 N·m.
Understanding Torque
Torque, also called moment of force or rotational force, measures the tendency of an object to rotate when a force is applied. It's calculated as force multiplied by distance from the pivot point. Both N·m and ft-lb measure the same physical quantity - torque - just using different unit systems.
Key Concepts:
- • Torque = Force × Distance: The product of force and distance from pivot point
- • Nm: Force in newtons × distance in meters
- • Ft-lb: Force in pounds × distance in feet
- • Same physical quantity: Both measure rotational force, just in different units
Foot-pounds vs. Pounds-force
It's important to distinguish between foot-pounds (ft-lb) and pounds-force (lbf). Foot-pounds measure torque (rotational force), which is force multiplied by distance. Pounds-force measure force (linear push or pull). While their symbols look similar, they represent different physical quantities.
Key Distinctions:
- • Foot-pounds (ft-lb): Unit of torque - force × distance
- • Pounds-force (lbf): Unit of force - push or pull
- • Cannot directly convert: They measure different quantities
- • Context matters: Use ft-lb for torque, lbf for force
Practical Applications
Nm to ft-lb conversion is essential in many engineering and automotive applications. Engineers often need to convert specifications between metric and US customary units. Automotive technicians use torque wrenches calibrated in different units depending on the manufacturer and region.
Common Use Cases:
- • Automotive engineering: Converting engine torque specifications between metric and imperial units
- • Bolt tightening: Converting torque specifications for fastener installation
- • Electric motors: Converting motor torque ratings between different unit systems
- • Mechanical design: Converting torque specifications in design documentation
- • Torque wrenches: Converting between different torque wrench calibrations
- • International projects: Converting between metric and imperial torque units
Conversion Table Reference
Here are some common conversions for quick reference:
| Newton-meters | Foot-pounds |
|---|---|
| 1 N·m | 0.738 ft-lb |
| 5 N·m | 3.688 ft-lb |
| 10 N·m | 7.376 ft-lb |
| 20 N·m | 14.751 ft-lb |
| 50 N·m | 36.878 ft-lb |
| 100 N·m | 73.756 ft-lb |
Sources & References
- NIST Special Publication 811 - Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI)Official reference for unit definitions and conversions
- Engineering Mechanics: Statics and Dynamics - R.C. HibbelerComprehensive reference for torque units and conversions in engineering
- SAE International - Automotive Engineering StandardsIndustry standards for torque measurements and conversions
Need help with other torque conversions? Check out our Nm to in-lbs converter and newton meter calculator.
Get Custom Calculator for Your PlatformNm to Ft-lb Converter Examples
Input:
- Torque: 10 Newton-meters (N·m)
- Conversion factor: 0.7376
- Target unit: Foot-pounds (ft-lb)
Calculation:
- Step 1: Identify torque: 10 N·m
- Step 2: Apply conversion: 10 × 0.7376
- Step 3: Calculate result: 7.376 ft-lb
Result: 10 Newton-meters equals 7.376 foot-pounds
This conversion is commonly used in automotive applications when working with torque specifications that may be provided in different unit systems. The conversion factor is precise and reliable for engineering calculations.
12 ft-lb to Nm
12 × 1.3558
= 16.27 N·m
50 Nm to ft-lb
50 × 0.7376
= 36.88 ft-lb
100 Nm to ft-lb
100 × 0.7376
= 73.76 ft-lb
25 ft-lb to Nm
25 × 1.3558
= 33.90 N·m
Frequently Asked Questions
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