Torque / Nm ↔ ft-lbs
Nm to Ft-Lbs Converter
Two-way conversion between newton-meters and foot-pounds, computed from the NIST constant 0.7375621493 — with inch-pounds shown alongside, because one foot-pound is twelve inch-pounds and mixing them is the classic torque mistake.
decimals
values truncate — never round up
Torque is a spec, not a guess
Wheels, drain plugs, cylinder-head hardware — the number on the wrench dial is the difference between a fastener that holds and one that strips. We convert that number exactly, in both directions, with inch-pounds in the same breath.
Conversion constant: NIST 0.7375621493 (1 ft-lb = 12 in-lbs).
| Torque | Foot-pounds | Inch-pounds |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Nm | 7.37ft-lbs | 88.50in-lbs |
| 20 Nm | 14.75ft-lbs | 177.01in-lbs |
| 50 Nm | 36.87ft-lbs | 442.53in-lbs |
| 100 Nm | 73.75ft-lbs | 885.07in-lbs |
| 200 Nm | 147.51ft-lbs | 1,770.14in-lbs |
| 500 Nm | 368.78ft-lbs | 4,425.37in-lbs |
| 1000 Nm | 737.56ft-lbs | 8,850.74in-lbs |
Computed from 1 Nm = 0.7375621493 ft-lbs (NIST); inch-pounds = foot-pounds × 12, converted first and truncated after. Values displayed truncated to 2 decimals.
Why the constant matters
Torque conversion charts on the web disagree with each other because they copy different
roundings: 0.7376, 0.74, and at least one printed chart with
0.72756 — a digit-swap typo that is off by more than a percent. On a 500 Nm truck
wheel value that error is nearly four foot-pounds. This site derives every figure from the single
NIST value 0.7375621493 and truncates the display, so what you read is what the
arithmetic actually says.
Foot-pounds, inch-pounds, and the 12× trap
A foot-pound is one pound of force on a one-foot lever; an inch-pound is the same pound on a
one-inch lever, so 1 ft-lb = 12 in-lbs exactly. Small-fastener specs are usually
written in inch-pounds (an M6 bolt at 10 Nm is 88.5 in-lbs — only
7.37 ft-lbs), and wrenches with dual scales are where the units get swapped. Every
result here prints both, converted first and truncated after, in that order.
Common torque values in context
Each value page below pairs the exact conversion with the fastener context a mechanic actually works in — which bolt sizes and which workshop jobs live at that dial setting:
Frequently asked torque questions
How many ft lbs is 1 Nm?
1 Nm equals 0.7375621493 ft-lbs, so 10 Nm is 7.37 ft-lbs and 100 Nm is 73.75 ft-lbs. This converter uses the full NIST value rather than the rounded 0.7376 or 0.74 you'll see on some charts — and it shows inch-pounds too, which many charts leave out.
Is ft-lbs the same as in-lbs?
No — one foot-pound equals twelve inch-pounds, because the lever arm is twelve times longer. A 100 Nm wrench setting is 73.75 ft-lbs or 885.07 in-lbs. Mixing the two units is the single most common torque mistake on small fasteners; that's why every result on this site shows both.
What is 100 Nm in foot-pounds?
100 Nm = 73.75 ft-lbs (73.75621493 exactly, displayed truncated to two decimals). The dedicated 100 Nm to ft-lbs page also shows 885.07 in-lbs and the lug-nut context for that value.
How do I convert Nm to ft-lbs by hand?
Multiply the newton-meter value by 0.7375621493, then truncate (not round) to the precision you need. Example: 140 Nm × 0.7375621493 = 103.25 ft-lbs. For a quick mental estimate, multiplying by 0.74 gets you within about a third of a percent — fine for the workshop, not for a spec sheet.
Why do torque charts disagree with each other?
Three reasons: different constants (some charts print 0.72756 — a typo for 0.737562; others round to 0.74), different bolt standards (ISO 898 dry vs lubricated threads differ by ~25%), and different application sources (a car maker's service manual beats any generic chart). This converter pins the conversion constant to the NIST value so the arithmetic itself never drifts.
Do I need a torque wrench, or is hand-tight fine?
For lug nuts, drain plugs and anything with a gasket or plastic boss, use a torque wrench — over-torque strips threads and warps rotors, and under-torque lets fasteners back out with vibration. A click wrench accurate to ±4% is plenty for workshop values; calibrate or verify it if it has been dropped.
