Inch-Pounds To Newton Metres Converter

Convert torque between inch-pounds and newton metres for small fasteners, tools, bicycles, engineering notes and product manuals.

Convert Torque

Torque valuein-lb Direction Rounding Fastener note

Converted Torque

13.56 N m

120 inch-pounds equals 13.56 newton metres.

Inch-pounds120.00 in-lb

Newton metres13.56 N m

Foot-pounds10.00 ft-lb

Exact factor1 in-lb = 0.112984829 N m

This converter changes torque units only. It does not tell you the correct torque for a bolt, clamp, carbon component, thread, gasket or safety-critical assembly. Always follow the manufacturer specification and use a calibrated torque wrench in the correct range.

Quick Conversion

One inch-pound is 0.112984829 newton metres. To convert inch-pounds to newton metres, multiply by 0.112984829. To convert newton metres to inch-pounds, divide by the same factor. A common example is 120 in-lb, which is 13.56 N m. Inch-pounds often appear on small torque tools and US manuals, while newton metres are common in metric product instructions. Keep the unit label attached to the number because 120 in-lb and 120 N m are very different torque values.

Formula And Related Units

N m = inch-pounds x 0.112984829Inch-pounds = N m / 0.112984829Foot-pounds = inch-pounds / 12Inch-pounds = foot-pounds x 12Rounded display value = calculated value rounded after conversion

Torque is force applied at a distance from a pivot. Inch-pound and foot-pound are imperial torque units, while newton metre is the SI-derived unit. Do not confuse pound-force inch with pound mass. In normal tool use, “in-lb” on a torque wrench means pound-force inches. The converter uses the standard relationship between pound-force, inch and newton metre. For safety-critical work, the conversion should be only one part of the process; tool condition, lubrication, thread type and manufacturer instructions matter.

Inch-Pounds To Newton Metres Table

Inch-Pounds	Newton Metres	Foot-Pounds	Common Note
5 in-lb	0.56 N m	0.42 ft-lb	Very small torque.
10 in-lb	1.13 N m	0.83 ft-lb	Small fastener range.
20 in-lb	2.26 N m	1.67 ft-lb	Light clamp note.
40 in-lb	4.52 N m	3.33 ft-lb	Bicycle-style small part.
60 in-lb	6.78 N m	5.00 ft-lb	Common small torque value.
80 in-lb	9.04 N m	6.67 ft-lb	Medium small fastener.
100 in-lb	11.30 N m	8.33 ft-lb	Round reference.
120 in-lb	13.56 N m	10.00 ft-lb	Default example.
180 in-lb	20.34 N m	15.00 ft-lb	Higher small-tool range.
240 in-lb	27.12 N m	20.00 ft-lb	Check wrench range.

Torque Wrench Range Matters

A torque wrench is usually most reliable within its stated working range. Using a large automotive wrench for a tiny clamp can be poor practice even if the unit conversion is correct. Likewise, using a small inch-pound wrench near its upper limit may not suit a larger fastener. Check whether the manual states dry or lubricated threads, whether thread-locker is expected, and whether the setting is for a single-use bolt. Carbon bicycle parts, brake components, suspension parts and engine fasteners can be damaged by the wrong torque.

Worked Torque Example

A manual states a torque of 90 in-lb. Multiply 90 by 0.112984829 to get 10.1686 N m, which rounds to 10.17 N m or 10.2 N m depending on the precision needed. In foot-pounds, 90 in-lb is 7.5 ft-lb. If the only available tool reads N m, set it to the rounded value that matches the tool’s scale and the manufacturer’s tolerance. If the tool only has coarse marks, do not guess for a safety-critical job; use the right wrench.

Related Torque Reference Conversions

Reference	Equivalent	Use Note
1 in-lb	0.112984829 N m	Exact converter factor.
1 N m	8.8507 in-lb	Reverse conversion.
12 in-lb	1 ft-lb	Imperial torque step.
1 ft-lb	1.35582 N m	Common larger wrench unit.
5 N m	44.25 in-lb	Small component range.
6 N m	53.10 in-lb	Clamp-style value.
10 N m	88.51 in-lb	Round metric reference.
15 N m	132.76 in-lb	Higher small fastener.
20 N m	177.01 in-lb	Check tool capacity.
30 N m	265.52 in-lb	Often beyond small tools.

When a manual gives a tolerance, keep the same precision style after conversion. A value written as 10 N m may not need 88.507 in-lb in a workshop note. A value written as 10.0 N m may justify one decimal place in the converted unit. Do not round twice; convert from the original number and then round the final display.

Common Unit Mistakes

Do not read inch-pounds as foot-pounds. The difference is a factor of 12, and the error can easily strip a thread or leave a part loose. Also check whether a document says pound-inches, ounce-inches or kilogram-force centimetres; those are not the same unit. If a printed manual has a damaged decimal point, compare with the manufacturer’s latest specification before tightening. For small screws, the safe range can be narrow enough that a handwritten conversion deserves a second check.

If a torque value is given as a range, convert both ends of the range. Setting the middle value is not always correct when the manufacturer expects a sequence, angle turn or recheck after settling. Note whether the part should be tightened dry or lubricated. Mark converted values on the job sheet.

FAQs

How many newton metres is 120 in-lb?

120 inch-pounds is 13.56 newton metres. It is also 10 foot-pounds.

How do I convert inch-pounds to N m?

Multiply the inch-pound value by 0.112984829. Round the final result to a sensible number of decimals for the tool scale.

How do I convert N m to inch-pounds?

Divide the newton metre value by 0.112984829. For example, 10 N m is about 88.51 in-lb.

Is in-lb the same as lb-in?

In tool manuals, both usually refer to pound-force inches of torque. Keep the unit label clear and do not confuse torque with linear force.

Can I use foot-pounds instead?

Only if the value is suitable for that scale. Divide inch-pounds by 12 to get foot-pounds, but small values may be hard to set on a large wrench.

Does this choose the correct torque?

No. It converts units. The correct torque must come from the manufacturer or a qualified technical source.

Sources

National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2008). Guide for the Use of the International System of Units. NIST Special Publication 811. https://www.nist.gov/pml/special-publication-811
International Bureau of Weights and Measures. (2019). The International System of Units (SI), 9th ed. BIPM. https://www.bipm.org/en/publications/si-brochure
National Physical Laboratory. (n.d.). Force and torque measurement. NPL. https://www.npl.co.uk/