Torque Calculator
Torque is the turning effect of a force, and the lever arm matters as much as the force: the same push does far more with a longer spanner.
Torque
60
- Torque in foot pounds
- 44.2537
- Torque in inch pounds
- 531.0447
- Torque in kilogram force metres
- 6.1183
Values update as you type. This calculator covers the single scenario its formula assumes — see Common Mistakes for what it leaves out.
The formula this calculator uses
torque = force x lever arm
- tau
- Torque, in newton metres
- F
- Force applied, in newtons
- r
- Perpendicular distance from pivot to the line of the force
How to check the result by hand
- 1
Find the pivot
Every torque is measured about a specific point. For a wrench it is the bolt, for a door it is the hinge, and for a see saw it is the fulcrum.
- 2
Measure the perpendicular distance
Distance from the pivot to the line along which the force acts, at right angles to the force. Not the distance to your hand if you are pushing at an angle.
- 3
Convert the force to newtons
A mass in kilograms has to be multiplied by 9.81 to become a weight in newtons before it can be used as a force.
- 4
Multiply force by lever arm
One hundred and fifty newtons at 0.4 metres gives sixty newton metres. Doubling either the force or the distance doubles the torque.
- 5
Convert the unit if a specification demands it
Divide newton metres by 1.3558 for foot pounds, or multiply foot pounds by 1.3558 to go the other way. Never compare two figures without checking which unit each uses.
For worked examples, common mistakes and the limits of this formula, read the full How To Calculate Torque page.