Moment of Force Converter: N·m, kN·m, lbf·ft, kgf·m & More
Convert moment of force (torque) between N·m (newton meter), kN·m, lbf·ft (pound-force foot), kgf·m, ton-force meter, poundal foot, and 12 units. Whether you need N·m to lbf·ft, kilonewton meter to newton meter, or any SI, gravitational, or imperial unit, this converter uses the SI base (newton meter) for accurate results. Free, runs in your browser—no sign-up required.
What is moment of force?
Moment of force (also called torque) is force times the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation. Its dimension is force × length (e.g. N·m). The SI unit is the newton meter (N·m). This converter supports 12 units: SI (N·m, kN·m, mN·m, µN·m), ton-force meter (short, long, metric), kilogram-force meter (kgf·m), gram-force centimeter, pound-force foot (lbf·ft), and poundal foot (pdl·ft) and poundal inch (pdl·in). Every value is normalized to N·m under the hood.
How moment of force conversion works
Moment of force is force × distance, so its dimension is N·m in SI. Convert your value into N·m using the source unit’s factor, then divide by the target unit’s factor:
Example: 10 lbf·ft to N·m → 10 × 1.35582 ÷ 1 ≈ 13.56 N·m. The converter supports SI (N·m, kN·m, mN·m, µN·m), ton-force (short, long, metric) meter, kgf·m, gf·cm, lbf·ft, pdl·ft, and pdl·in.
Key moment of force units explained
Each unit’s factor to N·m. Moment of force = force × distance; the force unit (newton, kgf, ton-force, lbf, poundal) and length unit (m, cm, ft, in) define each combination.
Newton meter (N·m)
Factor: 1 (SI base unit)
The SI derived unit for moment of force. One newton of force at one meter radius. Used in physics, mechanics, and international specs.
Pound-force foot (lbf·ft)
Factor:
Common in US and UK for automotive and machinery. 1 lbf = 4.448 N, 1 ft = 0.3048 m, so 1 lbf·ft ≈ 1.356 N·m.
Kilogram-force meter (kgf·m)
Factor: 1 kgf·m = 9.80665 N·m
Gravitational metric unit. 1 kgf = 9.80665 N (standard gravity). Common in some regions for engine and machinery specs.
Ton-force (metric) meter
Factor: 1000 kgf·m = 9806.65 N·m
Metric ton-force (1000 kgf) times meter. Used for large moments in industrial and structural contexts.
Poundal foot (pdl·ft)
Factor: 1 pdl·ft ≈ 0.04214 N·m
Poundal is force in FPS system: 1 pdl = 1 lb·ft/s². Used in some engineering and physics contexts.
Kilonewton meter (kN·m)
Factor: 1 kN·m = 1000 N·m
Used for large moments: turbines, cranes, structural engineering.
When to use N·m vs lbf·ft vs kgf·m
N·m is the SI unit and is preferred in physics and international specs. lbf·ft is the US/UK standard for automotive and machinery torque. kgf·m appears in some metric regions. Ton-force (short/long/metric) meter is used for very large moments (cranes, winches). Poundal foot and poundal inch show up in FPS (foot–pound–second) systems and some textbooks. This converter supports all 12 units so you can match datasheets and formulas.
Who uses a moment of force converter?
Mechanical and structural engineers convert between N·m and lbf·ft for tightening specs and design. Students and educators use it for moment and torque problems (τ = r × F) and to switch between SI and imperial. Manufacturing and heavy equipment specs often use ton-force meter, kgf·m, or lbf·ft. All conversions run in your browser—no data is sent to a server.
Common moment of force conversions at a glance
Handy reference for N·m to lbf·ft, kgf·m to N·m, and other everyday conversions.
| From | To | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| N·m | lbf·ft | ÷ 1.35582 | 13.56 N·m ≈ 10 lbf·ft |
| lbf·ft | N·m | × 1.35582 | 10 lbf·ft ≈ 13.56 N·m |
| kgf·m | N·m | × 9.80665 | 1 kgf·m = 9.81 N·m |
| kN·m | N·m | × 1000 | 1 kN·m = 1000 N·m |
| pdl·ft | N·m | × 0.04214 | 1 pdl·ft ≈ 0.0421 N·m |
Why newton meter is the SI unit
Moment of force (torque) is force × distance, so its dimension is N·m in SI. The newton meter is the SI derived unit. It has the same dimension as the joule (work = force × distance), but moment of force is not energy—same dimension, different physical meaning. Gravitational units (kgf·m, ton-force meter) and imperial (lbf·ft, pdl·ft) use fixed factors so results are consistent.
Avoiding common mistakes
Don’t confuse moment of force (N·m, rotational effect) with work or energy (also N·m = joule)—same dimension, different meaning. Don’t mix ton-force (short), ton-force (long), and ton-force (metric)—they have different magnitudes (2000 lbf, 2240 lbf, 1000 kgf respectively). Poundal is much smaller than pound-force (1 pdl·ft ≈ 0.042 N·m vs 1 lbf·ft ≈ 1.36 N·m). Always convert to one unit (we recommend N·m) before using in τ = Iα or other formulas.
Moment of Force Conversion FAQ
? How do I convert N·m to lbf·ft?
Divide N·m by 1.35582 to get lbf·ft. So 13.56 N·m ≈ 10 lbf·ft. To convert lbf·ft to N·m, multiply by 1.35582.
? What is the difference between moment of force and torque?
They are the same physical quantity: force × perpendicular distance from an axis. “Torque” is common in engineering and automotive; “moment of force” is often used in physics and structural contexts. Both have SI unit N·m.
? What is the poundal?
The poundal (pdl) is the force that accelerates 1 pound at 1 ft/s²: 1 pdl = 1 lb·ft/s² ≈ 0.138 N. So 1 pdl·ft ≈ 0.04214 N·m. It is used in the FPS (foot–pound–second) system. This converter includes poundal foot and poundal inch.
? How do ton-force (short), (long), and (metric) differ?
Short ton = 2000 lbf, long ton = 2240 lbf, metric ton-force = 1000 kgf. So 1 ton-force (short) meter ≈ 8896 N·m, (long) ≈ 9964 N·m, (metric) = 9806.65 N·m. Use the one that matches your spec or region.
? What is the SI unit for moment of force?
The newton meter (N·m). Moment of force is force × distance, so in SI the coherent unit is N·m. This converter uses N·m as the base for all 12 units.
? How do I convert gram-force centimeter to N·m?
Multiply gf·cm by 9.80665×10⁻⁵ to get N·m (1 gf = 0.001×9.80665 N, 1 cm = 0.01 m). So 1 gf·cm ≈ 0.00009807 N·m. To convert N·m to gf·cm, divide by 9.80665×10⁻⁵.