Ft Lb vs. Nm

Attribute	Ft Lb	Nm
Definition	Foot-pound (ft lb) is a unit of torque equal to the amount of force applied when a one-pound force is exerted at a distance of one foot from a pivot point.	Newton-meter (Nm) is a unit of torque equal to the amount of force applied when a one-newton force is exerted at a distance of one meter from a pivot point.
Conversion	1 ft lb = 1.35582 Nm	1 Nm = 0.737562 ft lb
SI Unit	No	Yes
Commonly Used In	United States	International

Introduction

When it comes to measuring torque, two common units are foot-pounds (Ft Lb) and Newton-meters (Nm). Both of these units are used to quantify the amount of rotational force applied to an object, but they have different attributes that make them unique. In this article, we will explore the differences between Ft Lb and Nm and discuss when each unit is most commonly used.

Definition and Conversion

Foot-pounds (Ft Lb) is a unit of torque that is commonly used in the United States. It is defined as the amount of force required to rotate an object around an axis at a distance of one foot. On the other hand, Newton-meters (Nm) is the standard unit of torque in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as the amount of force required to rotate an object around an axis at a distance of one meter. To convert Ft Lb to Nm, you can use the conversion factor of 1 Ft Lb = 1.35582 Nm.

Applications

Foot-pounds (Ft Lb) is commonly used in the automotive industry to measure the torque output of engines and the tightening force of bolts. It is also used in construction and engineering to quantify the amount of force required to turn screws and fasteners. On the other hand, Newton-meters (Nm) is widely used in scientific and industrial applications due to its compatibility with the SI system. It is commonly used in physics, mechanics, and robotics to measure the torque applied to rotating objects.

Accuracy and Precision

When it comes to accuracy and precision, Newton-meters (Nm) is considered to be more precise than foot-pounds (Ft Lb). This is because the SI system is based on the metric system, which is known for its precision and consistency. On the other hand, foot-pounds (Ft Lb) is based on the imperial system, which can sometimes lead to rounding errors and inconsistencies in measurements. For applications that require high levels of accuracy, Nm is often preferred over Ft Lb.

Conversion Factors

As mentioned earlier, the conversion factor between foot-pounds (Ft Lb) and Newton-meters (Nm) is 1 Ft Lb = 1.35582 Nm. This means that if you have a torque value in Ft Lb and you need to convert it to Nm, you can simply multiply the value by 1.35582. Similarly, if you have a torque value in Nm and you need to convert it to Ft Lb, you can divide the value by 1.35582. It is important to use the correct conversion factor to ensure accurate and consistent measurements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both foot-pounds (Ft Lb) and Newton-meters (Nm) are important units of torque that are used in various industries and applications. While Ft Lb is commonly used in the United States and is easier to understand for some people, Nm is the standard unit of torque in the SI system and is more precise and consistent. Understanding the differences between Ft Lb and Nm can help you choose the right unit for your specific application and ensure accurate measurements.