Nm to Inch Pounds Converter
Small-fastener torque lives in inch-pounds. Multiply newton meters by 8.850746 to get in-lbs — this converter does the exact math and shows foot-pounds alongside.
Example: with Torque (Nm) 10 → Inch-pounds: 88.51 in-lb.
Computed by the calculator below using its default values. Change any input to see your own numbers.
🔧 A torque screwdriver for small fasteners
Check it outNm to in-lbs: the conversion small fasteners use
One newton meter equals 8.850746 inch-pounds, so multiply Nm by 8.8507 (or divide in-lb by the same number to go back). The default 10 Nm works out to 10 × 8.850746 = 88.51 in-lb.
Inch-pounds show up wherever foot-pound numbers would be awkwardly small: bike stems and seatpost clamps (a 5 Nm faceplate spec is 44.25 in-lb), scope rings, oil-pan and valve-cover bolts, and electronics. More quick references: 8 Nm = 70.81 in-lb, 12 Nm = 106.21 in-lb, and 25 Nm = 221.27 in-lb. Because 1 ft-lb = 12 in-lb, the foot-pound row is always the inch-pound figure divided by 12 — 88.51 in-lb is just 7.38 ft-lb, well below where most clicker wrenches are accurate.
How it’s calculated
Inch-pounds = newton meters ÷ 1.3558179483 × 12, i.e. × 8.8507458. The base constant is exact: 1 ft·lbf = 0.3048 m × 4.4482216152605 N (NIST SP 811), and 1 ft-lb = 12 in-lb. Foot-pounds shown are in-lb ÷ 12.
Results update as you type and are estimates, not professional advice — verify important decisions with a qualified professional.
Common mistakes
- Setting an in-lb spec on a ft-lb wrench (or vice versa) — the units differ by 12×, enough to snap small bolts.
- Using the ft-lb factor 0.7376 when the spec sheet says in-lb — you need 8.8507.
- Rounding 8.85 to 9 on precision work — that adds 1.7%, which matters on torque-to-spec aluminum threads.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert Nm to inch pounds?
Multiply newton meters by 8.850746. For example, 6 Nm × 8.850746 = 53.10 in-lb.
What is 10 Nm in inch pounds?
10 Nm = 88.51 in-lb. That’s also 7.38 ft-lb, since a foot-pound is 12 inch-pounds.
How do I convert inch pounds back to Nm?
Divide by 8.850746 (or multiply by 0.112985). A 90 in-lb spec equals 10.17 Nm.
What is 16 Nm in ft-lbs?
16 Nm = 11.80 ft-lb (16 × 0.737562), which is the same torque as 141.61 in-lb.