Torque Calculator
Calculate torque from force and lever arm length, or find the force needed for a target torque — essential for bolts and levers.
Result
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How it works
Torque = force × distance × sin(angle)Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate torque?
Multiply force by the perpendicular distance from the pivot: 50 N applied at 0.3 m from a bolt's center gives 15 N·m of torque. If the force isn't perpendicular, multiply by sin(angle) between the force and the lever arm.
Why does angle matter for torque?
Only the force component perpendicular to the lever arm creates rotation — pulling straight along the arm's length (0°) produces zero torque, while pulling exactly perpendicular (90°) produces maximum torque for that force and distance.
How do I know how much force to apply for a target torque?
Rearrange the formula: force = torque ÷ (distance × sin(angle)). For a bolt spec'd at 25 N·m torqued with a 0.2 m wrench at 90°, you need 125 N of force at the wrench's end.