What Is Torque?

Jason Fogelson 08/01/2022 8:40am

Torque measures the turning or twisting force of a running engine or motor. We measure torque in pound-foot (lb-ft) increments in the United States, while most of the world measures it in Newton-meters (Nm). A lb-ft of torque is the turning force felt when one pound is placed at the end of a one-foot-long lever.

Jason Fogelson

Jason Fogelson is the Managing Editor of Publication Operations for Cox Automotive Inc. He works with the editorial team to ensure everything you read on Kelley Blue Book is factual, grammatically correct, well-written, and relevant. Jason contributed to KBB for years before joining the staff in 2022 as part of a long career as a freelance automotive journalist and editor for magazines and websites. His first book, “100 Things for Every Gearhead to Do Before They Die,” was published by Reedy Press in 2016. Jason was President of the Motor Press Guild (MPG) for two terms and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA), the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), and the International Motor Press Association (IMPA). He lives near Ann Arbor, Michigan, with his wife, dog, two cats, motorcycle, and van. He’s always on the hunt for an inexpensive roadster to fill an empty slot in his garage.
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