kiloNewtonmeter

Kilonewton meter, abbreviated kN·m, is a unit of torque or moment in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as the torque produced by a force of one kilonewton applied perpendicular to a lever arm of one meter. Because one kilonewton equals 1000 newtons, 1 kN·m equals 1000 N·m. In terms of energy, N·m and joules are equivalent units, so if the quantity represents work, 1 kN·m corresponds to 1 kilojoule of energy; however, context distinguishes torque from energy.

The unit is widely used to express torque and bending moments in mechanical and structural engineering. It is common in automotive, aerospace, and robotics literature to specify motor, gearbox, or joint torque in kN·m. Large machines may have torque ratings ranging from a few kN·m to several hundred or thousand kN·m, depending on the application.

Conversions and notes: the symbol is typically written kN·m; it can also appear as kN m. For reference, 1 kN·m equals 1000 N·m and is approximately 737.56 ft·lbf when converted to imperial torque units.

See also: Newton meter, kilojoule, torque, bending moment.