Torque or Moment of Force - Online Converter

Torque or moment - the tendency of a force to rotate an object around an axis or a point - is defined as

• the product of the force and the distance from the point or axis to the force vector

Torque can be expressed as

T = F a                               (1)

where

T = moment - or torque of the force (Nm, lb_f ft)

F = applied force (N, lb_f)

a = moment arm (m, ft)

Example - Torque exerted by a Wrench

A force of 250 N is acting at the end of a 30 cm long wrench. The torque exerted can be calculated as

T = (250 N) (30 cm) (0.01 cm/m)

   = 75 Nm

Moment Converter

The calculator below can be used to convert between some common moment or torque units

torque, or moment  (use period as decimal point)

Newton Metre

MilliNewton Metre

Kilogram Metre

Kilogram Centimetre

Gram Centimetre

Ounce Inches

Pound Inches

Pound Feet

Law of Lever

The Law of Lever is a torque balance on a stationary object and can be expressed as

F₁ / F₂ = L₂ / L₁                                         (2)

where

F = force (N, lb_f)

L = distance from the point (1 or 2) to the force vector (m, ft)

(1) can be transformed to

F₁ L₁ = F₂ L₂                                       (2b)

or

T₁ = T₂                                           (2c)

Example - Lever

A person with a mass of 90 kg is standing on one side of a lever 2 m from the balance point. The force on the other side of lever 0.5 m from the balance point can be calculated by modifying (2) to

F₂ = F₁ L₁ / L₂

    = (90 kg) (9.81 m/s²) (2 m) / (0.5 m)

    = 3531 N