How many kgf·m are in one foot-pound?

1 foot-pound (ft·lb) equals 0.13825495 kilogram-force meters (kgf·m). This is derived from the international definitions: 1 ft = 0.3048 m, 1 lbf = 4.44822 N, and 1 kgf = 9.80665 N.

How do I convert foot-pounds to kgf·m?

Multiply the ft·lb value by 0.138255. For example, 100 ft·lb × 0.138255 = 13.8255 kgf·m. This converter performs the calculation automatically in real time.

How do I convert kgf·m to foot-pounds?

Multiply the kgf·m value by 7.23301. For example, 10 kgf·m × 7.23301 = 72.33 ft·lb. Use the kgf·m input field above for instant reverse conversion.

What is a kilogram-force meter (kgf·m)?

A kilogram-force meter is a unit of torque equal to the moment produced by a one-kilogram-force (9.80665 N) acting at a perpendicular distance of one meter. It is not an SI unit but was widely used in older metric engineering standards, particularly in automotive and mechanical specifications from Japan and Europe.

What is the difference between kgf·m and N·m for torque?

1 kgf·m = 9.80665 N·m (because 1 kgf = 9.80665 N). The newton-meter (N·m) is the SI unit of torque and is used in modern standards. Older Japanese and European service manuals often list torque in kgf·m instead of N·m.

Why would I use kgf·m instead of N·m?

Older service manuals, particularly from Japanese manufacturers through the 1980s and 1990s, specified torque in kgf·m. If you are working on a vintage vehicle with a kgf·m service manual but have a torque wrench calibrated in ft·lb, this converter gives you the direct translation.

Foot Pounds to kgf-m Converter

Name: Foot Pounds to kgf-m Converter
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter foot-pounds or kgf·m for instant bidirectional torque conversion with an automotive and engineering reference table.

Foot-Pounds ↔ kgf·m

Foot-Pounds (ft·lb)

ft·lb

⇅

Kilogram-Force Meters (kgf·m)

kgf·m

1 ft·lb = 0.13825495 kgf·m — 1 kgf·m = 7.23301 ft·lb

Torque Reference

Common automotive and engineering torque specs — click a row to load it

ft·lb	kgf·m	Reference

1 ft·lb = 0.13825495 kgf·m — derived from international foot and pound-force definitions

Unit context

Spark plug: 15–20 ft·lb (2.1–2.8 kgf·m)
Oil drain plug: 25–30 ft·lb (3.5–4.1 kgf·m)
Lug nut (compact car): 80–100 ft·lb (11.1–13.8 kgf·m)
Lug nut (truck/SUV): 120–150 ft·lb (16.6–20.7 kgf·m)
Economy engine peak: 140–200 ft·lb (19.4–27.6 kgf·m)
Performance V8: 400–550 ft·lb (55.3–76.0 kgf·m)

Summary

Enter foot-pounds or kgf·m for instant bidirectional torque conversion with an automotive and engineering reference table.

How it works

Enter a foot-pound value in the ft·lb field to see the kgf·m equivalent instantly.
Enter a value in the kgf·m field to reverse-convert back to foot-pounds.
Both fields update in real time — no button click needed.
Click Copy to copy the converted result to your clipboard.
Click any row in the reference table to load that torque value into the converter.

Use cases

Convert US or UK automotive torque specs (ft·lb) to kgf·m for older Japanese or European service manuals.
Translate torque wrench settings from imperial ft·lb to kgf·m when using a metric wrench graduated in kgf·m.
Verify engine assembly bolt specs given in ft·lb against a kgf·m reference table.
Convert motorcycle torque figures from ft·lb to kgf·m for vintage or import service documentation.
Cross-check industrial equipment torque settings between imperial and kgf·m graduated fasteners.
Convert hydraulic fitting torque specs from ft·lb to kgf·m for equipment operating in metric regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-23 · Reviewed by Nham Vu