Torque from one pound-force at one foot.
Pound-feet to Newton meters Converter — lb ft to N m
Convert Pound-foot (lb ft) to Newton meter (N m) using the exact conversion factor (1 pound-foot = 1.355817948 newton meter). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, unit comparison, history, and common uses.
Pound-feet to Newton meters converter
Converter
Engineering Converter
Convert common stress, force, torque, power, and energy units used in engineering.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Newton meter is the SI torque unit.
Result = input x 1.355817948 / 1.
Torque units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Pound-feet to Newton meters
Pound-foot and Newton meter both measure a quantity used in structural or mechanical engineering — commonly stress, pressure, force, torque, power, or energy — where converting between the unit conventions used in different regions, industries, or equipment specifications is a routine part of design work. Pound-foot is typically associated with united States (automotive and mechanical torque specifications), while Newton meter is typically associated with standard scientific and automotive torque unit worldwide except the US.
Formula
newton meters = pound-feet × 1.35581794833
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 pound-foot equals 1.35581794833 base units, and 1 newton meter equals 1 base unit, so dividing one by the other gives the direct pound-foot-to-newton meter factor of 1.35581794833.
Simple example
1 lb ft × 1.355817948 = 1.355817948 N m
1 pound-foot = 1.355817948 newton meters.
Real-world example
100 lb ft × 1.355817948 = 135.5817948 N m
100 pound-feet = 135.5817948 newton meters.
Conversion table
| Pound-foot (lb ft) | Newton meter (N m) |
|---|---|
| 1 lb ft | 1.355817948 N m |
| 10 lb ft | 13.55817948 N m |
| 50 lb ft | 67.79089742 N m |
| 100 lb ft | 135.5817948 N m |
| 500 lb ft | 677.9089742 N m |
| 1,000 lb ft | 1,355.817948 N m |
Reverse conversion: Newton meter to Pound-foot
1.355817948 N m × 0.7375621493 = 0.9999999998 lb ft
1.355817948 newton meters = 0.9999999998 pound-feet.
pound-feet = newton meters × 0.737562149277
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Newton meter to Pound-foot.
Pound-foot vs. Newton meter
| Aspect | Pound-foot | Newton meter |
|---|---|---|
| Family | US/imperial customary unit | SI derived unit |
| Typical use | US torque wrench specifications (bolt tightening) | Torque wrench specifications (bolt tightening) outside the US |
| Where it's used | United States (automotive and mechanical torque specifications) | Standard scientific and automotive torque unit worldwide except the US |
Understanding the Pound-foot
Pound-foot (lb ft) measures torque. A pound-foot is the torque from one pound-force applied at one foot of leverage: exactly 1.3558179483314004 newton-meters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
Where it's used: United States (automotive and mechanical torque specifications)
Pound-foot vs. foot-pound. Pound-foot (torque) and foot-pound (energy/work) use the same two units but measure physically different quantities; US convention typically orders them differently to help distinguish which is meant, though usage isn't always consistent.
Uses of the Pound-foot today
- US torque wrench specifications (bolt tightening)
- US automotive engine torque specifications
- US mechanical and construction trades
History of the Pound-foot
The pound-foot follows from pound-force and the foot, both standardized through English and later international agreements, remaining the standard US automotive and mechanical torque unit even as most other measurements shifted toward metric in engineering contexts.
Historical origin. Pound-foot was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Newton meter
Newton meter (N m) measures torque. The newton-meter is the SI derived unit of torque: one newton of force applied at one meter of leverage. It is classified as a SI derived unit.
Where it's used: Standard scientific and automotive torque unit worldwide except the US
Uses of the Newton meter today
- Torque wrench specifications (bolt tightening) outside the US
- Engine torque specifications internationally
- Mechanical and structural engineering
History of the Newton meter
As a coherent SI derived unit, the newton-meter follows automatically from the newton and meter, without an independent historical origin — though it is numerically identical in form to the joule (energy), the two are conventionally kept distinct because torque and energy are physically different quantities.
Historical origin. Newton meter was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Pound-foot — sources
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Documents the pound-foot's exact newton-meter equivalence.
Newton meter — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Coherent derived units — Defines the newton-meter as the SI unit of torque.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many newton meters are in 1 pound-foot?
1 pound-foot equals 1.355817948 newton meters, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert pound-foot to newton meter?
Multiply the pound-foot value by 1.355817948. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert newton meter back to pound-foot?
Use the reverse factor: 1 newton meter equals 0.7375621493 pound-feet. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a pound-foot?
Pound-foot (lb ft) measures torque. A pound-foot is the torque from one pound-force applied at one foot of leverage: exactly 1.3558179483314004 newton-meters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
What is a newton meter?
Newton meter (N m) measures torque. The newton-meter is the SI derived unit of torque: one newton of force applied at one meter of leverage. It is classified as a SI derived unit.
Is the pound-foot to newton meter conversion exact?
Yes. A pound-foot is the torque from one pound-force applied at one foot of leverage: exactly 1.3558179483314004 newton-meters. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.
What is the difference between pound-foot vs. foot-pound?
Pound-foot (torque) and foot-pound (energy/work) use the same two units but measure physically different quantities; US convention typically orders them differently to help distinguish which is meant, though usage isn't always consistent.
Where is the pound-foot still used today?
United States (automotive and mechanical torque specifications)