Torque

The Torque calculator computes torque as a function of force (F) and perpendicular distance (L).

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose the preferred units and enter the following:

• (F) This is the force.
• (L) This is the perpendicular distance.

Torque (τ):  The torque is returned in N•m.  However, this can be converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

General Information

The formula for the magnitude of torque (τ), the quantitative measure of the tendency force to cause rotational motion of a body. The inputs are Force (`F`) and the distance (L) between the pivot point and the point where the force is applied.  L is measured by the perpendicular distance from the pivot point, P, to the line of force.

Standard SI units are Force in newtons and distance in meters. The units of torque match the units of the input force (`F`) times the units of the distance (L).

Since torque is a measure of force causing a rotation about a specific point, the torque can be both positive (causing counter-clockwise rotation) or negative (causing clockwise rotation).

In the picture, the force, `vecF`, will cause a counter-clockwise rotation about the pivot point, P.   The magnitude of the force will be defined by `tau` = `vecF * L`.