DIY Cost Tools
Torque Calculator
SCIENCE CALCULATOR
Calculate torque magnitude from force, lever-arm length, and the angle between them.
Use consistent units. All fields are required; absolute input values must not exceed one trillion. The tool reports magnitude, not rotational direction.
How to use this calculator
Replace the example inputs with your measurements, then select Calculate. Results use the units shown beside each field. Keep extra precision in the inputs and round only when recording the final answer.
Formula and explanation
Torque magnitude = force × lever-arm length × sin(angle)
Only the force component perpendicular to the lever arm contributes to torque. A 90-degree angle produces the maximum torque for a fixed force and arm.
Worked example
With Force (N) = 100, Lever-arm length (m) = 0.5, Angle between force and arm (degrees) = 90, the results are Torque magnitude (N·m): 50; Perpendicular force component (N): 100.
Important limitations
The tool reports magnitude, not rotational direction. It assumes a single force and rigid lever. Follow manufacturer torque specifications and use calibrated equipment for assembly.
Results are estimates based on the entered values. Numeric precision does not eliminate measurement uncertainty.
Frequently asked questions
What happens at zero degrees?
The force acts along the lever arm, so the torque magnitude is zero.
Is N·m the same as a joule?
They have the same dimensional units, but torque and energy describe different physical quantities.
What happens if I leave a field blank?
The tool clears the previous result and asks for valid inputs, so an old answer is not mistaken for a new calculation.
Review notes
Reviewed October 1, 2026. Default calculations were checked independently against the displayed equations. The script validates blank, nonfinite, out-of-range, and formula-specific invalid inputs. Calculations run locally in your browser.