Torque Calculator
Calculate torque (moment of force) using force, lever arm distance, and angle. Torque causes rotational motion.
90° = perpendicular
Enter force and lever arm to calculate torque.
Torque Formula
τ = F × r × sin(θ)
Where τ (tau) is torque, F is force, r is the distance from the pivot point (lever arm), and θ is the angle between the force and lever arm.
Example: A wrench with 20 N force applied at 0.25 m, perpendicular (90°).
τ = 20 × 0.25 × sin(90°) = 20 × 0.25 × 1 = 5 N·m
τ = 20 × 0.25 × sin(90°) = 20 × 0.25 × 1 = 5 N·m
Key Concepts
- Maximum torque occurs when force is perpendicular to the lever arm (θ = 90°).
- Torque is zero when force is parallel to the lever arm (θ = 0°).
- Longer lever arms produce more torque with the same force.
FAQ
What are the units of torque?
Torque is measured in Newton-meters (N·m). Note: while N·m and Joules have the same dimensions, torque is not the same as energy.
How is torque different from force?
Force causes linear acceleration. Torque causes angular (rotational) acceleration. Torque depends on where and at what angle the force is applied.
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Last updated: 2026-08-08