How to convert newton meters to pound-inches
- Take the value in newton meters.
- Use the formula pound-inches = newton meters × 8.850745791.
- For example, 1 N·m is 8.85 lb·in.
About newton meters and pound-inches
One newton meter is 8.85075 inch-pounds, so multiply N·m by 8.85 to get in-lb. For a quick estimate multiply by 9, about 1.7% high: 5 N·m gives 45 in-lb against the exact 44.25.
Bike parts, electronics, small engines and appliances are torqued in newton meters, often single digits, which are too low to set on a foot-pound wrench. Converting to inch-pounds lets you use a US inch-pound torque wrench or driver for the job.
Examples
- 1 N·m (one newton meter) is 8.85 lb·in
- 5 N·m (a common bicycle stem bolt torque) is 44.25 lb·in
- 10 N·m (a 10 N·m spec on a small engine part, illustrative) is 88.51 lb·in
- 20 N·m (a 20 N·m spec, illustrative) is 177.01 lb·in
Newton meters to pound-inches chart
| Newton meters (N·m) | Pound-inches (lb·in) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 4.43 |
| 1 | 8.85 |
| 1.5 | 13.28 |
| 2 | 17.7 |
| 2.5 | 22.13 |
| 3 | 26.55 |
| 4 | 35.4 |
| 5 | 44.25 |
| 6 | 53.1 |
| 7 | 61.96 |
| 8 | 70.81 |
| 10 | 88.51 |
| Newton meters (N·m) | Pound-inches (lb·in) |
|---|---|
| 12 | 106.21 |
| 15 | 132.76 |
| 18 | 159.31 |
| 20 | 177.01 |
| 25 | 221.27 |
| 30 | 265.52 |
| 35 | 309.78 |
| 40 | 354.03 |
| 50 | 442.54 |
| 60 | 531.04 |
| 80 | 708.06 |
| 100 | 885.07 |