Newton meter is the SI torque unit.
Newton meters to Kilogram-force meters Converter — N m to kgf m
Convert Newton meter (N m) to Kilogram-force meter (kgf m) using the exact conversion factor (1 newton meter = 0.1019716213 kilogram-force meter). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, unit comparison, history, and common uses.
Newton meters to Kilogram-force meters converter
Converter
Torque Converter
Convert newton meters, pound-feet, pound-inches, ounce-inches, and kilogram-force meters.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Torque from one kilogram-force at one meter.
Result = input x 1 / 9.80665.
Torque uses the newton meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Newton meters to Kilogram-force meters
Newton meter and Kilogram-force meter both measure torque, and the conversion is essential for anyone using a torque wrench specified in one unit against a bolt or engine spec given in the other. Newton meter is typically associated with standard scientific and automotive torque unit worldwide except the US, while Kilogram-force meter is typically associated with can be encountered in some older European and Japanese automotive and mechanical torque specifications.
Formula
kilogram-force meters = newton meters × 0.101971621298
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 newton meter equals 1 base unit, and 1 kilogram-force meter equals 9.80665 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct newton meter-to-kilogram-force meter factor of 0.101971621298.
Simple example
1 N m × 0.1019716213 = 0.1019716213 kgf m
1 newton meter = 0.1019716213 kilogram-force meters.
Real-world example
10 N m × 0.1019716213 = 1.019716213 kgf m
10 newton meters = 1.019716213 kilogram-force meters.
Conversion table
| Newton meter (N m) | Kilogram-force meter (kgf m) |
|---|---|
| 1 N m | 0.1019716213 kgf m |
| 5 N m | 0.5098581065 kgf m |
| 10 N m | 1.019716213 kgf m |
| 50 N m | 5.098581065 kgf m |
| 100 N m | 10.19716213 kgf m |
| 500 N m | 50.98581065 kgf m |
Reverse conversion: Kilogram-force meter to Newton meter
0.1019716213 kgf m × 9.80665 = 1 N m
0.1019716213 kilogram-force meters = 1 newton meters.
newton meters = kilogram-force meters × 9.80665
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Kilogram-force meter to Newton meter.
Newton meter vs. Kilogram-force meter
| Aspect | Newton meter | Kilogram-force meter |
|---|---|---|
| Family | SI derived unit | non-SI unit, deprecated but still encountered |
| Typical use | Torque wrench specifications (bolt tightening) outside the US | Appears on some legacy torque specifications and equipment predating wider adoption of the newton-meter |
| Where it's used | Standard scientific and automotive torque unit worldwide except the US | Can be encountered in some older European and Japanese automotive and mechanical torque specifications |
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.
Understanding the Kilogram-force meter
Kilogram-force meter (kgf m) measures torque. The torque produced by one kilogram-force acting at a perpendicular distance of one meter. It is classified as a non-SI unit, deprecated but still encountered.
Where it's used: Can be encountered in some older European and Japanese automotive and mechanical torque specifications
kgf·m vs. N·m. The newton-meter is the modern SI torque unit; kilogram-force meter is the older, gravity-dependent equivalent still occasionally seen on legacy specifications. 1 kgf·m equals exactly 9.80665 N·m.
Uses of the Kilogram-force meter today
- Appears on some legacy torque specifications and equipment predating wider adoption of the newton-meter
Newton meter — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Coherent derived units — Defines the newton-meter as the SI unit of torque.
Kilogram-force meter — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Kilogram-force and its derivatives are non-SI units whose use is discouraged in favor of SI force/torque units.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many kilogram-force meters are in 1 newton meter?
1 newton meter equals 0.1019716213 kilogram-force meters, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert newton meter to kilogram-force meter?
Multiply the newton meter value by 0.1019716213. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert kilogram-force meter back to newton meter?
Use the reverse factor: 1 kilogram-force meter equals 9.80665 newton meters. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
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.
What is a kilogram-force meter?
Kilogram-force meter (kgf m) measures torque. The torque produced by one kilogram-force acting at a perpendicular distance of one meter. It is classified as a non-SI unit, deprecated but still encountered.
Is the newton meter to kilogram-force meter conversion exact?
Yes. Both newton meter and kilogram-force meter are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 0.1019716213 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.
What is the difference between kgf·m vs. n·m?
The newton-meter is the modern SI torque unit; kilogram-force meter is the older, gravity-dependent equivalent still occasionally seen on legacy specifications. 1 kgf·m equals exactly 9.80665 N·m.
Where is the newton meter still used today?
Standard scientific and automotive torque unit worldwide except the US