Compound unit converter
Type any combination of units, like N·m, kg/m³ or W/(m·K). Unitglide reduces both sides to SI base dimensions, checks they match, and shows the working.
Multiply with · * or a space, divide with /, powers with ^2, ² or a trailing digit (m3). SI prefixes work on SI units (kN, MPa, µm or um, mΩ). Symbols are case-sensitive.
45 N·m =33.19 lbf·ft
- Quantity
- energy / torque
- SI dimensions
- m²·kg·s⁻²
- Factor
- 1 N·m = 0.737562149277 lbf·ft
Show worked solutionDimensional analysis in SI base units
Express N·m in SI base units
N = 1 m·kg·s⁻² (newton); m = 1 m (metre)
Express lbf·ft in SI base units
lbf = 4.4482216152605 m·kg·s⁻² (pound-force); ft = 0.3048 m (foot)
Check the dimensions match
Both sides reduce to m²·kg·s⁻², so the conversion is valid.
Find the conversion factor
Divide the two SI values. Source: BIPM SI Brochure; NIST SP 811.
Multiply, letting the units cancel
Round the answer
Rounded to 5 significant figures.
Answer: 33.19 lbf·ft
Supported symbols
- SI: m g s A K mol cd N Pa J W C V Ω (or ohm) F H S Wb T Hz L eV bar P St cal
- US customary: in ft yd mi lb lbm oz slug lbf kip kgf psi ksi BTU hp gal mph
- Time: s min h (or hr) d
- Temperature intervals: K °C °F °R (degC, degF)
Prefix tables and printable charts are in the SI prefixes reference.
Frequently asked questions
How do I type a compound unit?
Multiply units with a middle dot, an asterisk or a space (N·m, N*m, lbf ft), divide with a slash (kg/m^3) and add powers with ^2, a superscript (m²) or a trailing digit (ft3). Use brackets for several units in the denominator, as in W/(m·K).
What does a slash followed by several units mean?
Unitglide follows the engineering convention: everything after the first slash is in the denominator, so W/m·K means W/(m·K). Use brackets if you want to be explicit.
How are temperatures handled inside compound units?
Inside a compound unit, °C, °F, K and °R are temperature differences (intervals), so 1 °F = 1 °R = 5/9 K and no offset is applied. This is correct for thermal conductivity, heat transfer coefficients and specific heat. To convert a temperature reading such as 25 °C to °F, use the temperature converter.
What happens if the units do not match?
You get a clear dimension mismatch message showing both sides in SI base dimensions (for example m²·kg·s⁻³ for power and m²·kg·s⁻² for energy) instead of a wrong answer.
Which prefixes are supported?
All 24 SI prefixes from quecto (q) to quetta (Q), plus u as a keyboard-friendly micro. Prefixes apply to SI and SI-accepted units (kN, MPa, µm, mΩ, kWh, mL), not to US customary units.