Aviation Torque Converter: ft-lbs, in-lbs, N·m
Convert aircraft maintenance torque specs instantly across foot-pounds, inch-pounds, Newton-meters, and kilogram-centimeters.
TORQUE UNIT CONVERTER
Converted Equivalent Matrix
Foot-Pounds (ft-lbs):
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Inch-Pounds (in-lbs):
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Newton-Meters (N·m):
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Kilogram-Centimeters (kg·cm):
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How to Convert Aviation Torque Units
Aircraft structural assembly, engine overhauls, and component maintenance require strict adherence to manufacturer torque limits to prevent hardware failure. This tool provides real-time conversions between the four primary torque standards utilized in aviation maintenance manuals (AMM):
- Foot-Pounds (ft-lbs): Standard imperial unit used for high-torque aviation applications, such as aircraft landing gear bolts, engine mounts, propeller installations, and spark plugs.
- Inch-Pounds (in-lbs): Precision imperial unit used for low-torque components, including engine accessory case fasteners, fuel system clamps, avionics rack hardware, and panel screws.
- Newton-Meters (N·m): The international metric standard commonly found in maintenance documents for European-manufactured aircraft and modern engine assemblies.
- Kilogram-Centimeters (kg·cm): Metric torque unit encountered in legacy international systems, specific instrument assemblies, and component test benches.
Aviation Torque Applications
Using the correct torque unit prevents under-tightening (which leads to vibration loosening) or over-tightening (which causes thread stripping and bolt elongation).
| Application | Primary Units Used | Operational Context |
| Aviation Spark Plugs | Foot-Pounds (ft-lbs) | Typically torqued between 25 to 30 ft-lbs in piston engines to secure the seal without damaging cylinder head threads. |
| Engine Case & Valve Covers | Inch-Pounds (in-lbs) | Small fasteners require precise low-range torque settings to ensure even gasket compression and avoid oil leaks. |
| Landing Gear & Wheel Assemblies | Foot-Pounds / Newton-Meters | High-stress structural fasteners requiring calibrated heavy-duty click or dial torque wrenches. |
| Hydraulic & Fuel Fittings | Inch-Pounds (in-lbs) | Torqued strictly to prevent distortion of aluminum flared tubes and ensure leak-free seals under high pressure systems. |
Complete Torque Conversion Formulas
Foot-Pounds (ft-lbs) Conversions
- ft-lbs to in-lbs: Inch-Pounds = ft-lbs × 12
- ft-lbs to N·m: Newton-Meters = ft-lbs × 1.35581795
- ft-lbs to kg·cm: Kilogram-Centimeters = ft-lbs × 13.825495
Inch-Pounds (in-lbs) Conversions
- in-lbs to ft-lbs: Foot-Pounds = in-lbs / 12
- in-lbs to N·m: Newton-Meters = in-lbs × 0.11298483
- in-lbs to kg·cm: Kilogram-Centimeters = in-lbs × 1.152124
Newton-Meters (N·m) Conversions
- N·m to ft-lbs: Foot-Pounds = N·m / 1.35581795
- N·m to in-lbs: Inch-Pounds = N·m / 0.11298483
- N·m to kg·cm: Kilogram-Centimeters = N·m / 0.0980665
Kilogram-Centimeters (kg·cm) Conversions
- kg·cm to ft-lbs: Foot-Pounds = (kg·cm × 0.0980665) / 1.35581795
- kg·cm to in-lbs: Inch-Pounds = (kg·cm × 0.0980665) / 0.11298483
- kg·cm to N·m: Newton-Meters = kg·cm × 0.0980665
Torque Units Quick Reference Matrix
| From Unit | To ft-lbs | To in-lbs | To N·m | To kg·cm |
| 1 ft-lb | 1 | 12 | 1.355818 | 13.825495 |
| 1 in-lb | 0.083333 | 1 | 0.112985 | 1.152124 |
| 1 N·m | 0.737562 | 8.850746 | 1 | 10.197162 |
| 1 kg·cm | 0.072330 | 0.867962 | 0.098067 | 1 |