Torque Conversion Chart
| Nm | ft-lbs | in-lbs | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 7.38 | 88.5 | Small screws |
| 25 | 18.4 | 221.3 | M8 bolts |
| 50 | 36.9 | 442.5 | M10 bolts |
| 100 | 73.8 | 885.1 | Wheel lugs (car) |
| 150 | 110.6 | 1,327.6 | Wheel lugs (SUV) |
| 200 | 147.5 | 1,770.2 | Wheel lugs (truck) |
| 350 | 258.2 | 3,097.8 | Head bolts |
| 500 | 368.8 | 4,425.4 | Structural bolts |
Metric to Imperial Torque Conversion Table
Industrial Bolt Torque Standards
Standard bolt torque depends on grade and size. Grade 8.8 (metric) / Grade 5 (SAE): M8 = 25 Nm (18.4 ft-lbs), M10 = 49 Nm (36.1 ft-lbs), M12 = 85 Nm (62.7 ft-lbs). Grade 10.9 (metric) / Grade 8 (SAE): M8 = 35 Nm (25.8 ft-lbs), M10 = 69 Nm (50.9 ft-lbs), M12 = 120 Nm (88.5 ft-lbs). Always use the manufacturer's specified torque value for critical applications. Thread lubrication significantly affects torque values — oiled bolts require approximately 25% less torque than dry bolts for the same clamping force.
Machinery Torque Ranges
Industrial machinery spans a wide torque range: electric motor shafts = 1–10,000 Nm, wind turbine gearboxes = 500,000+ Nm, ship propeller shafts = 1,000,000+ Nm. Small precision instruments may specify torque in N·cm or in·oz. Cross-references: 1 Nm = 100 N·cm = 8.851 in-lbs = 141.6 in-oz. For individual conversions, use our Nm to ft-lbs converter.
Automotive Torque Reference Guide
Common Vehicle Torque Specifications
Automotive torque specifications vary widely by component. Wheel lug nuts: compact cars = 80–100 Nm (59–74 ft-lbs), SUVs/trucks = 120–200 Nm (89–148 ft-lbs). Spark plugs: aluminum heads = 15–25 Nm (11–18 ft-lbs), cast iron = 25–35 Nm (18–26 ft-lbs). Oil drain plugs: 30–50 Nm (22–37 ft-lbs). Cylinder head bolts often use torque-to-yield methods requiring 60–90 Nm plus a 90° rotation. Always consult the vehicle service manual — over-torquing aluminum components causes thread stripping and expensive repairs. For quick conversions between Nm and ft-lbs, use our torque converter or ft-lbs to Nm calculator.