135.581795
N·m
13.825495
kgf·m
135.581795
J
135.581795
N·m
13.825495
kgf·m
135.581795
J
The Foot-Pounds to Newton-Meters Converter converts torque values from foot-pounds (ft·lb) to newton-meters (N·m) using the conversion factor 1 ft·lb = 1.35582 N·m. This is the essential reverse conversion for anyone working between American and international torque specifications.
Foot-pounds (also written as lb·ft in some SAE standards) are the standard torque unit in American engineering, automotive repair, and construction. Converting to newton-meters is necessary when working with international standards, metric vehicles, imported machinery, and scientific publications.
This conversion is particularly important in the automotive industry. While American-market vehicles may have torque specifications in ft·lb, the same vehicle sold internationally will have identical specifications expressed in N·m. Japanese, European, and Korean vehicle service manuals exclusively use N·m, and global manufacturing standards (ISO, DIN) require metric units.
Our converter also provides results in kilogram-force meters (kgf·m), a unit still found in some older European and Asian torque specifications, particularly for motorcycles, bicycles, and industrial machinery.
The formula is: N·m = ft·lb × 1.35582. The exact conversion factor is 1 ft·lb = 0.3048 m × 4.4482216 N = 1.3558179... N·m. For kilogram-force meters: kgf·m = ft·lb × 1.35582 / 9.80665 = ft·lb × 0.138255.
Common torque specifications in ft·lb and their N·m equivalents: oil drain plug 25 ft·lb = 34 N·m, brake caliper bolts 40 ft·lb = 54 N·m, cylinder head bolts 65 ft·lb = 88 N·m, wheel lug nuts 80-100 ft·lb = 108-136 N·m, suspension bolts 100-150 ft·lb = 136-203 N·m.
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Results
65 ft·lb ≈ 88.1 N·m
Inputs
Results
90 ft·lb ≈ 122 N·m
1 ft·lb = 1.35582 N·m. So to convert ft·lb to N·m, multiply by approximately 1.356.
Multiply by 1.36 (or add about 36% to the ft·lb value). For example, 100 ft·lb ≈ 136 N·m (exact: 135.58).
They refer to the same unit. 'lb·ft' (pound-feet) is technically the SAE-preferred notation, while 'ft·lb' (foot-pounds) is more colloquial. Both mean the same torque measurement.
100 ft·lb = 135.582 N·m. This is a common torque for medium to large automotive bolts.
Multiply ft·lb by 0.138255. For example, 100 ft·lb = 13.83 kgf·m.
Older specifications, particularly from Japan and Europe, used kgf·m before SI adoption was complete. Many motorcycle and bicycle manuals from the 1970s-1990s use kgf·m.
Most click-type torque wrenches are accurate to ±4% at mid-range. For critical applications, use a calibrated wrench within its recommended range (typically 20-80% of maximum).
Multiply by 12. For example, 10 ft·lb = 120 in·lb. This is because 1 foot = 12 inches.
250 ft·lb = 338.955 N·m. This is typical for large engine bolts, axle nuts, and heavy-duty fasteners.
Yield-controlled (torque-to-yield) bolts are tightened to a torque value then rotated a specified angle. Both the torque value and angle must be followed; converting the torque value alone is not sufficient.
Roboculator Team
The Roboculator Team explains calculations, planning tools, and practical formulas in clear language for real-life situations.
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