Newton meter is the SI torque unit.
Newton meters to Pound-feet Converter — N m to lb ft
Convert Newton meter (N m) to Pound-foot (lb ft) using the exact conversion factor (1 newton meter = 0.7375621493 pound-foot). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, unit comparison, history, and common uses.
Newton meters to Pound-feet 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 pound-force at one foot.
Result = input x 1 / 1.355817948.
Torque uses the newton meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Newton meters to Pound-feet
Newton meter and Pound-foot 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 Pound-foot is typically associated with united States (automotive and mechanical torque specifications).
Formula
pound-feet = newton meters × 0.737562149277
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 newton meter equals 1 base unit, and 1 pound-foot equals 1.35581794833 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct newton meter-to-pound-foot factor of 0.737562149277.
Simple example
1 N m × 0.7375621493 = 0.7375621493 lb ft
1 newton meter = 0.7375621493 pound-feet.
Real-world example
10 N m × 0.7375621493 = 7.375621493 lb ft
10 newton meters = 7.375621493 pound-feet.
Conversion table
| Newton meter (N m) | Pound-foot (lb ft) |
|---|---|
| 1 N m | 0.7375621493 lb ft |
| 5 N m | 3.687810746 lb ft |
| 10 N m | 7.375621493 lb ft |
| 50 N m | 36.87810746 lb ft |
| 100 N m | 73.75621493 lb ft |
| 500 N m | 368.7810746 lb ft |
Reverse conversion: Pound-foot to Newton meter
0.7375621493 lb ft × 1.355817948 = 1 N m
0.7375621493 pound-feet = 1 newton meters.
newton meters = pound-feet × 1.35581794833
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Pound-foot to Newton meter.
Newton meter vs. Pound-foot
| Aspect | Newton meter | Pound-foot |
|---|---|---|
| Family | SI derived unit | US/imperial customary unit |
| Typical use | Torque wrench specifications (bolt tightening) outside the US | US torque wrench specifications (bolt tightening) |
| Where it's used | Standard scientific and automotive torque unit worldwide except the US | United States (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 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.
Newton meter — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Coherent derived units — Defines the newton-meter as the SI unit of torque.
Pound-foot — sources
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Documents the pound-foot's exact newton-meter equivalence.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many pound-feet are in 1 newton meter?
1 newton meter equals 0.7375621493 pound-feet, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert newton meter to pound-foot?
Multiply the newton meter value by 0.7375621493. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert pound-foot back to newton meter?
Use the reverse factor: 1 pound-foot equals 1.355817948 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 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.
Is the newton meter to pound-foot 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 newton meter still used today?
Standard scientific and automotive torque unit worldwide except the US