How many newton-meters are in one foot-pound?

1 foot-pound (ft·lb) equals exactly 1.3558179483 newton-meters (N·m). This is defined by the international foot (0.3048 m) and the pound-force (4.44822 N).

How do I convert foot-pounds to newton-meters?

Multiply the ft·lb value by 1.35582. For example, 100 ft·lb × 1.35582 = 135.582 N·m. This tool performs the calculation automatically in real time.

What is the difference between ft·lb and lb·ft for torque?

"Foot-pound" (ft·lb) and "pound-foot" (lb·ft) refer to the same torque quantity — one pound of force at one foot radius. In automotive contexts lb·ft is more common, but the numerical value is identical to ft·lb.

How do I convert newton-meters to foot-pounds?

Multiply the N·m value by 0.737562. For example, 200 N·m × 0.737562 = 147.5 ft·lb. Use the N·m input field above for instant reverse conversion.

Why do US vehicles use ft·lb while most others use N·m?

The United States uses the imperial system, where torque is traditionally expressed in foot-pounds. Most other countries use the metric SI system and express torque in newton-meters. Both measure the same physical quantity.

What are typical engine torque values in both units?

A compact car engine typically produces 100–200 ft·lb (135–271 N·m). A performance sedan might reach 300–400 ft·lb (407–542 N·m). Large truck engines can exceed 900 ft·lb (1,220 N·m).

Foot Pounds to Newton Meters Converter

Name: Foot Pounds to Newton Meters Converter
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter foot-pounds or newton-meters for instant bidirectional torque conversion with automotive reference values.

Foot-Pounds ↔ Newton-Meters

Foot-Pounds (ft·lb)

ft·lb

⇅

Newton-Meters (N·m)

N·m

1 ft·lb = 1.3558179483 N·m — 1 N·m = 0.737562 ft·lb

Automotive Torque Reference

Common torque specs — click a row to load it into the converter

ft·lb	N·m	Reference

1 ft·lb = 1.3558179483 N·m — international definition

Torque context

Spark plug: 15–20 ft·lb (20–27 N·m)
Lug nut (compact car): 80–100 ft·lb (108–136 N·m)
Lug nut (truck/SUV): 100–150 ft·lb (136–203 N·m)
Economy sedan engine: 100–170 ft·lb (136–230 N·m)
Muscle car / V8 engine: 350–500 ft·lb (475–678 N·m)
Heavy diesel truck engine: 900–1,800 ft·lb (1,220–2,440 N·m)

Summary

Enter foot-pounds or newton-meters for instant bidirectional torque conversion with automotive reference values.

How it works

Enter a foot-pound value in the ft·lb field to see the newton-meter equivalent instantly.
Enter a value in the N·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 automotive torque specs (ft·lb) to metric N·m for European or Japanese service manuals.
Translate torque wrench settings between imperial and metric scales.
Verify engine bolt torque specs when using a metric torque wrench on a US-spec engine.
Convert motorcycle torque figures from ft·lb (US reviews) to N·m (factory service data).
Check torque specifications when assembling equipment with mixed imperial/metric fasteners.
Translate firearm action torque specs between imperial and metric.

Frequently Asked Questions

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