Convert Pound-feet (lb-ft) to Newton Meters (N·m)
Pound-feet (lb-ft) is the torque unit on American spec sheets; the rest of the world uses newton metres. 1 lb-ft = 1.355818 N·m — multiply by 1.36 and you are within a rounding error.
Formula
1 lb-ft = 1.355818 N·m
To convert lb-ft to N·m, multiply the value by 1.355818.
Conversion Table
| Pound-feet (lb-ft) | Newton Meters (N·m) |
|---|---|
| 0.01 lb-ft | 0.0136 N·m |
| 0.1 lb-ft | 0.1356 N·m |
| 0.5 lb-ft | 0.6779 N·m |
| 1 lb-ft | 1.3558 N·m |
| 2 lb-ft | 2.7116 N·m |
| 3 lb-ft | 4.0675 N·m |
| 5 lb-ft | 6.7791 N·m |
| 10 lb-ft | 13.5582 N·m |
| 15 lb-ft | 20.3373 N·m |
| 20 lb-ft | 27.1164 N·m |
| 25 lb-ft | 33.8954 N·m |
| 50 lb-ft | 67.7909 N·m |
| 100 lb-ft | 135.5818 N·m |
| 250 lb-ft | 338.9545 N·m |
| 500 lb-ft | 677.909 N·m |
| 1000 lb-ft | 1355.8179 N·m |
| 2500 lb-ft | 3389.5449 N·m |
| 5000 lb-ft | 6779.0897 N·m |
| 10000 lb-ft | 13558.1795 N·m |
| 50000 lb-ft | 67790.8974 N·m |
Common lb-ft to N·m Examples
- 1 lb-ft = 1.3558 N·m
- 5 lb-ft = 6.7791 N·m
- 10 lb-ft = 13.5582 N·m
- 25 lb-ft = 33.8954 N·m
- 50 lb-ft = 67.7909 N·m
- 100 lb-ft = 135.5818 N·m
- 500 lb-ft = 677.909 N·m
- 1000 lb-ft = 1355.8179 N·m
About lb-ft to N·m
American V8s quoted at 400 lb-ft are making about 542 N·m; a 250 lb-ft pickup figure is roughly 339 N·m. Multiplying by 1.36 gets you within 0.3% instantly.
Tightening specs are the practical case: US manuals list wheel-lug torque at 80–100 lb-ft, which is 108–136 N·m on a metric torque wrench. Torque wrenches sold in Europe are marked in N·m, so US-sourced instructions almost always need this exact conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many newton metres is 100 lb-ft?
135.6 N·m. Multiply pound-feet by 1.355818 for the exact figure, or by 1.36 for a quick estimate.
Is lb-ft the same as ft-lb?
Colloquially both mean torque and the number is the same either way. Strictly, the pound-foot (lbf·ft) is torque while the foot-pound (ft·lbf) is a unit of energy or work.
How is lb-ft used in everyday life?
Pound-feet appears in measurements, product labels, and reports wherever the local convention favors that unit for Torque.
How is N·m used in everyday life?
Newton Meters is commonly seen in regions and contexts where it is the preferred Torque unit, from signage to technical specifications.
What is a quick way to estimate lb-ft to N·m?
Round 1.355818 to one or two significant digits and multiply mentally. Use the exact factor when accuracy matters.
Where does the unit N·m come from?
Newton Meters is a Torque unit with its own historical and regional roots, now defined in relation to internationally agreed reference standards.
Why is the conversion factor between lb-ft and N·m 1.355818?
It comes from the official definitions of both Torque units, which are anchored to internationally agreed reference standards.
Where does the unit lb-ft come from?
Pound-feet is a standard Torque unit used in specific regions or fields. Its definition has been refined over time to match international measurement standards.