Torque Calculator

Calculate torque from perpendicular force and lever-arm length

Your result will appear here.

About the Torque Calculator

Torque measures the turning effect of a force about an axis or pivot. The same force creates more torque when it acts farther from the pivot or more nearly perpendicular to the lever arm.

This calculator is useful for levers, fasteners and rotating systems, but a torque value alone does not determine whether a component is structurally safe.

How to Use the Torque Calculator

  1. Enter the applied force.
  2. Enter the perpendicular lever-arm distance from the pivot.
  3. If the force is angled, enter the angle when the calculator supports it.
  4. Calculate torque and keep the chosen unit, such as N·m or lb-ft, clearly identified.

How the Calculation Works

Torque magnitude is τ = rF sinθ, where r is the distance from pivot to force application and θ is the angle between the lever arm and force.

When the force is perpendicular to the lever arm, sin90°=1 and the formula simplifies to τ=rF.

Worked example

Torque Calculator Worked Example

50 N applied 0.4 m from a pivot at 90°

Torque = 0.4×50×sin90° = 20 N·m.

Result guide

Understanding Your Torque Calculator Result

Torque is greatest for a given force and lever length when the force acts perpendicular to the lever arm. A force directed along the lever produces no turning moment about the pivot.

Before you rely on the answer

Assumptions and Limitations

  • Lever-arm distance is measured from the correct axis.
  • Angle is defined between force direction and lever arm.
  • Static or simplified mechanics is appropriate.

Practical tip

Using This Result in Practice

For wrench calculations, use the perpendicular effective lever arm rather than simply the total tool length if the force is applied at an angle.

Related calculations

Useful Calculations to Continue With

If torque and RPM are known and you want mechanical power, use the Horsepower Calculator.

If you only need to convert N·m, lb-ft or other torque units, use the Torque Converter.

Common questions

Torque Calculator FAQ

What is the basic torque formula?

τ=rF sinθ; for a perpendicular force it simplifies to torque=force×lever arm.

Why does a longer wrench create more torque?

A longer perpendicular lever arm multiplies the turning effect of the same applied force.

Is torque the same as power?

No. Torque is a turning moment; power also depends on rotational speed.