THE NUMORIX GUIDE
How to use the Torque Calculator
Last reviewed September 14, 2026
What this calculator does
The engine calculates torque magnitude as tau = r*F*sin(theta), converting the entered angle from degrees to radians before applying sine.
Formula and method
The engine calculates torque magnitude as tau = r*F*sin(theta), converting the entered angle from degrees to radians before applying sine. It reports the result in N*m and does not calculate a clockwise or counterclockwise sign.
Variables and inputs
Enter force in newtons, lever arm in meters, and the angle between the lever-arm vector and force in degrees. The handler requires numeric force and lever arm that are not negative, but it does not restrict the angle to 0 through 180 degrees. The result is a scalar torque magnitude.
Worked example
For F = 100 N, r = 0.5 m, and theta = 90 degrees, tau = 0.5*100*sin(90 degrees) = 50 N*m. At 0 degrees the same force and lever arm would produce zero torque because the force acts along the lever arm.
How to interpret the result
Torque measures the turning effect of a force about a chosen pivot. Only the component perpendicular to the lever arm contributes, so a larger lever arm or a more perpendicular force generally produces more torque.
Common mistakes to avoid
Enter the angle in degrees as labeled, use the perpendicular distance or the correct force angle, and do not confuse torque N*m with energy joules even though their base dimensions match. Specify the pivot before choosing r.
Assumptions and limitations
The engine returns magnitude only and omits torque direction, multiple-force summation, distributed loads, deformation, friction, and rotational dynamics. A negative angle is accepted and changes the sine sign, while the UI does not explain the selected sign convention.