Torque Conversion Calculator

Torque Conversion Calculator

Use this calculator to convert torque values between various common units such as Newton-meters, foot-pounds, inch-pounds, and kilogram-force meters.

Newton-meters (N·m) Foot-pounds (ft·lb) Inch-pounds (in·lb) Kilogram-force meters (kgf·m) Newton-meters (N·m) Foot-pounds (ft·lb) Inch-pounds (in·lb) Kilogram-force meters (kgf·m)

function calculateTorqueConversion() { var torqueValue = parseFloat(document.getElementById('torqueValue').value); var fromUnit = document.getElementById('fromUnit').value; var toUnit = document.getElementById('toUnit').value; var convertedValue; var baseNmValue; if (isNaN(torqueValue) || torqueValue < 0) { document.getElementById('result').innerHTML = 'Please enter a valid positive torque value.'; return; } // Step 1: Convert the input value to a base unit (Newton-meters) switch (fromUnit) { case 'Nm': baseNmValue = torqueValue; break; case 'ftlb': baseNmValue = torqueValue * 1.35581795; // 1 ft·lb = 1.35581795 N·m break; case 'inlb': baseNmValue = torqueValue * 0.11298483; // 1 in·lb = 0.11298483 N·m break; case 'kgfm': baseNmValue = torqueValue * 9.80665; // 1 kgf·m = 9.80665 N·m break; default: document.getElementById('result').innerHTML = 'Invalid "From Unit" selected.'; return; } // Step 2: Convert from the base unit (Newton-meters) to the target unit switch (toUnit) { case 'Nm': convertedValue = baseNmValue; break; case 'ftlb': convertedValue = baseNmValue * 0.73756215; // 1 N·m = 0.73756215 ft·lb break; case 'inlb': convertedValue = baseNmValue * 8.85074579; // 1 N·m = 8.85074579 in·lb break; case 'kgfm': convertedValue = baseNmValue * 0.10197162; // 1 N·m = 0.10197162 kgf·m break; default: document.getElementById('result').innerHTML = 'Invalid "To Unit" selected.'; return; } var fromUnitSymbol = ''; switch (fromUnit) { case 'Nm': fromUnitSymbol = 'N·m'; break; case 'ftlb': fromUnitSymbol = 'ft·lb'; break; case 'inlb': fromUnitSymbol = 'in·lb'; break; case 'kgfm': fromUnitSymbol = 'kgf·m'; break; } var toUnitSymbol = ''; switch (toUnit) { case 'Nm': toUnitSymbol = 'N·m'; break; case 'ftlb': toUnitSymbol = 'ft·lb'; break; case 'inlb': toUnitSymbol = 'in·lb'; break; case 'kgfm': toUnitSymbol = 'kgf·m'; break; } document.getElementById('result').innerHTML = 'Result: ' + torqueValue.toFixed(4) + ' ' + fromUnitSymbol + ' is equal to ' + convertedValue.toFixed(4) + ' ' + toUnitSymbol + '.'; } // Initial calculation on page load for default values window.onload = function() { calculateTorqueConversion(); };

Understanding Torque and Its Conversion

Torque is a rotational force that causes an object to rotate about an axis. It's a fundamental concept in physics and engineering, crucial for understanding how engines work, how fasteners are tightened, and how machinery operates. The magnitude of torque depends on two factors: the amount of force applied and the distance from the pivot point (lever arm) where the force is applied. Mathematically, torque (τ) is often expressed as the product of force (F) and the perpendicular distance (r) from the axis of rotation to the line of action of the force: τ = F × r.

Why is Torque Conversion Important?

Different industries and regions often use different units to measure torque. For instance, automotive mechanics in the United States commonly use foot-pounds (ft·lb) or inch-pounds (in·lb), while engineers in countries using the metric system typically work with Newton-meters (N·m). Kilogram-force meters (kgf·m) are also encountered, particularly in older specifications or certain industrial applications.

The ability to accurately convert between these units is vital for:

• International Collaboration: Ensuring consistent specifications and understanding across global teams and suppliers.
• Tool Usage: Using the correct torque wrench settings, which might be specified in a different unit than the tool itself.
• Design and Manufacturing: Applying correct torque values to fasteners to prevent under-tightening (leading to failure) or over-tightening (leading to material damage or fastener breakage).
• Education and Research: Standardizing data and calculations for academic and scientific purposes.

Common Torque Units Explained

• Newton-meter (N·m): This is the standard unit of torque in the International System of Units (SI). It represents the torque produced by a force of one Newton applied perpendicularly to a lever arm of one meter.
• Foot-pound (ft·lb): A common imperial unit, representing the torque produced by a force of one pound applied perpendicularly to a lever arm of one foot.
• Inch-pound (in·lb): Another imperial unit, often used for smaller torque values. It represents the torque produced by a force of one pound applied perpendicularly to a lever arm of one inch. There are 12 inch-pounds in one foot-pound.
• Kilogram-force meter (kgf·m): Also known as kilopond-meter (kp·m), this unit is part of the gravitational metric system. It represents the torque produced by a force of one kilogram-force applied perpendicularly to a lever arm of one meter. Note that kilogram-force is a unit of force, not mass, and is approximately equal to 9.80665 Newtons.

How to Use the Calculator

1. Enter Torque Value: Input the numerical value of the torque you wish to convert into the "Torque Value" field.
2. Select "From Unit": Choose the current unit of your torque value from the "From Unit" dropdown menu.
3. Select "To Unit": Choose the desired unit you want to convert to from the "To Unit" dropdown menu.
4. Calculate: Click the "Calculate Conversion" button. The converted torque value will be displayed in the "Result" area.

Examples of Torque Conversion

• Example 1: Converting 100 N·m to ft·lb.
  Input: Torque Value = 100, From Unit = Newton-meters, To Unit = Foot-pounds.
  Result: 100 N·m ≈ 73.7562 ft·lb.
• Example 2: Converting 50 ft·lb to in·lb.
  Input: Torque Value = 50, From Unit = Foot-pounds, To Unit = Inch-pounds.
  Result: 50 ft·lb = 600.0000 in·lb (since 1 ft·lb = 12 in·lb).
• Example 3: Converting 20 kgf·m to N·m.
  Input: Torque Value = 20, From Unit = Kilogram-force meters, To Unit = Newton-meters.
  Result: 20 kgf·m ≈ 196.1330 N·m.

This calculator simplifies the process of converting torque units, making it easier to work with diverse specifications and ensure accuracy in your applications.