How Nm to ft-lb are calculated
A foot-pound is the turning force of one pound on a one-foot arm, so the conversion is one division or its reverse.
ft-lb = Nm ÷ 1.355818 (1 ft-lb = 1.355818 Nm)
- One foot-pound is the turning force of one pound of force pulling on a one-foot lever, and it equals 1.355818 newton metres.
- Divide your newton metres by 1.355818 for foot-pounds, or multiply your foot-pounds by it to go back.
- One newton metre is 0.7376 foot-pounds, so a 100 Nm setting is about 74 ft-lb.
- The figure comes from exact definitions — 0.3048 metres in a foot and 4.448222 newtons in a pound-force — so it is not a rounded estimate.
Worked example — A wheel setting of 120 Nm ÷ 1.355818 = 88.5 ft-lb. The same setting is 1,062 inch-pounds, or 12.2 kilogram-metres.
Common amounts converted
| Nm | ft-lb | Inch-pounds | Kilogram-metres |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Nm | 0.74 ft-lb | 8.9 in-lb | 0.1 kgf-m |
| 5 Nm | 3.69 ft-lb | 44.3 in-lb | 0.51 kgf-m |
| 10 Nm | 7.38 ft-lb | 88.5 in-lb | 1.02 kgf-m |
| 15 Nm | 11.06 ft-lb | 132.8 in-lb | 1.53 kgf-m |
| 20 Nm | 14.75 ft-lb | 177 in-lb | 2.04 kgf-m |
| 25 Nm | 18.44 ft-lb | 221.3 in-lb | 2.55 kgf-m |
| 50 Nm | 36.88 ft-lb | 442.5 in-lb | 5.1 kgf-m |
| 75 Nm | 55.32 ft-lb | 663.8 in-lb | 7.65 kgf-m |
| 100 Nm | 73.76 ft-lb | 885.1 in-lb | 10.2 kgf-m |
| 150 Nm | 110.63 ft-lb | 1,327.6 in-lb | 15.3 kgf-m |
| 200 Nm | 147.51 ft-lb | 1,770.1 in-lb | 20.39 kgf-m |
Swipe the table sideways to see the rest.
To go the other way, switch the converter above to ft-lb → Nm.
Things to consider
- Torque wrenches are marked in Nm or ft-lb — check which scale you are reading, because 100 on one is 74 on the other.
- Car wheel nuts are commonly 80–120 ft-lb (108–163 Nm). Check your handbook: over-tightening can strip a hub or warp a disc.
- Bicycle and electronics fasteners use inch-pounds — a 5 Nm seat-post bolt is only 44 inch-pounds.
- A torque figure assumes a clean, dry thread. Oil changes the friction, so follow the manufacturer's note for lubricated bolts.
Frequently asked questions
How many ft-lb is a Nm?
0.7376 ft-lb. Ten newton metres is 7.38 ft-lb.
How many Nm is a foot-pound?
1.3558 Nm. Fifty foot-pounds is 67.79 Nm.
Is a newton metre the same as a joule?
They share the same units, but a newton metre measures turning force and a joule measures energy, so torque is never written in joules.
What is 100 Nm in ft-lb?
73.76 ft-lb, which is also 885.1 inch-pounds or 10.2 kilogram-metres.
How do I turn ft-lb back into Nm?
Multiply the foot-pounds by 1.355818, or switch this converter to ft-lb → Nm.
Results are estimates for general information only, not financial, medical or professional advice.