Pressure & Torque Conversion Chart

What it is

Service data for vehicles and equipment comes in both inch-pound and metric units. Tire, air system and hydraulic pressures may be given in psi, kPa or bar. Torque may be given in ft-lb, in-lb or N·m. This chart converts between them. It does not give any pressure or torque specification; those come from the OEM.

How to use it

Find the known value in the left column and read across, or multiply by the factor below. Round the result only at the end.

• 1 psi = 6.895 kPa = 0.06895 bar
• 1 bar = 100 kPa = 14.504 psi
• 1 kPa = 0.1450 psi
• 1 ft-lb = 1.3558 N·m = 12 in-lb
• 1 in-lb = 0.1130 N·m
• 1 N·m = 0.7376 ft-lb = 8.851 in-lb

Pressure

Torque

Key points

• Gauge pressure (psig) reads zero at atmosphere. Absolute pressure (psia) adds about 14.7 psi at sea level. Most shop specs are gauge pressure.
• Values can be added: 175 psi is the 150 and 25 psi values combined (25 psi is 172.4 kPa).
• In-lb values are 12 times ft-lb values. Small fasteners are often specified in in-lb or N·m to avoid fractions.
• Set a torque wrench in the unit it is calibrated in when possible, rather than converting at the wrench.

Common mistakes

• Reading an in-lb spec as ft-lb, a twelve-fold overtightening.
• Confusing kPa and bar, a factor of 100.
• Rounding in the middle of a calculation and carrying the error.

Governing standards: None. Factors are from SI definitions. OEM service data governs all pressure and torque specifications.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.