Engineering Calculator

Torque Calculator

Calculate torque, applied force, or lever arm distance with automatic unit conversion and adjustable force angle.

Multiple measurement units Angle-aware calculations Instant converted results

Calculate Rotational Force

Select the value you need and enter the known measurements.

Instant calculation

Calculation settings

Applied Force Force on the lever

Unit

Lever Arm Distance Pivot to force point

Unit

Force Angle Angle between lever and force

Result Unit Preferred output measurement

Decimal Places Result precision

Calculation result

Calculated Torque

0.00 N·m

Enter force and distance, then select Calculate Torque.

Formula Used

τ = r × F × sin(θ)

Base SI result 0 N·m

Angle efficiency 100%

Calculation mode Find Torque

18 Supported Units Torque, force, and distance measurements

Angle Adjustment Handles non-perpendicular force applications

Private Calculation All calculations run directly in your browser

Understanding torque

What Is Torque?

Torque is the turning effect created when a force acts at a distance from a pivot or rotational axis.

Rotational Effect

Torque describes how strongly a force can rotate an object. Increasing the applied force usually increases the resulting torque.

Lever Arm Distance

Applying the same force farther from the pivot creates more torque. This is why a longer wrench makes a tight bolt easier to turn.

Force Direction

A force applied at 90 degrees produces maximum torque. Angled forces create less useful rotational effect.

Simple process

How the Torque Calculator Works

The calculator converts your measurements into standard SI units, applies the torque equation, and converts the answer into your selected unit.

Standard Torque Formula

This equation accounts for force, lever length, and force direction.

τ = rF sin(θ)

τ Torque, normally measured in newton-meters

r Distance from the pivot to the point of force application

F Magnitude of the applied force

θ Angle between the lever arm and the applied force

Select the unknown value

Choose whether you want to calculate torque, applied force, or the required lever arm distance.

Enter the known measurements

Add the two values you already know and select the correct measurement unit beside each field.

Set the force angle

Use 90 degrees when the force acts perpendicular to the lever. Choose another angle for angled force applications.

Review the converted result

The tool displays the answer, SI base value, formula, angle efficiency, and your selected output unit.

Unit reference

Common Torque Units

Torque units combine a unit of force with a perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation.

Torque Unit	Symbol	Equivalent in N·m	Common Use
Newton-meter	N·m	1 N·m	Standard SI engineering calculations
Newton-centimeter	N·cm	0.01 N·m	Small components and instruments
Kilonewton-meter	kN·m	1,000 N·m	Structural and heavy engineering
Pound-foot	lb·ft	1.35582 N·m	Automotive and mechanical specifications
Pound-inch	lb·in	0.112985 N·m	Fasteners and smaller assemblies
Kilogram-force meter	kgf·m	9.80665 N·m	Legacy machinery specifications

Important: Torque should not be confused with energy. Although both can use newton-meter dimensions, torque describes rotational force while energy is measured and interpreted as joules.

Practical applications

Where Torque Calculations Are Used

Torque calculations are important wherever force causes an object, shaft, fastener, or mechanism to rotate.

Automotive Work

Mechanics use specified torque values when tightening wheel nuts, engine components, suspension parts, and other critical fasteners.

Machines and Motors

Engineers evaluate motor output, shaft loads, gear systems, transmission components, and rotating machinery.

Hand Tools

Wrenches, breaker bars, screwdrivers, and torque tools use lever length and applied force to create controlled rotation.

Helpful answers

Torque Calculator FAQs

Find clear answers to common questions about torque, force, lever arms, angles, and measurement units.

What is the standard formula for torque?

The standard formula is τ = r × F × sin(θ). Here, r is lever arm distance, F is applied force, and θ is the angle between the lever arm and force direction.

Why does a 90-degree angle produce maximum torque?

At 90 degrees, sin(90°) equals 1. The full applied force therefore contributes to rotation. At smaller or larger angles, only part of the force acts perpendicular to the lever.

How do I calculate force from torque?

Divide torque by the lever arm distance multiplied by the sine of the force angle: F = τ ÷ [r × sin(θ)].

How do I calculate lever arm distance?

Divide torque by the applied force multiplied by the sine of the force angle: r = τ ÷ [F × sin(θ)].

What is the difference between lb-ft and ft-lb?

Pound-foot, written lb·ft, is commonly used for torque. Foot-pound is often used for energy. The numerical dimensions are related, but their physical meanings are different.

Can torque be negative?

Yes. A negative sign can indicate rotation in the direction defined as clockwise, while a positive sign may indicate counterclockwise rotation. The convention depends on the system. This calculator reports torque magnitude.

This calculator is intended for educational and general engineering estimates. Always follow manufacturer specifications and use calibrated tools for safety-critical fasteners, structures, vehicles, and machinery.