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Bolt Torque Chart

Look up common SAE and metric bolt torque by thread size and grade, with dry/plain and lubricated reference values in ft-lb and N·m.

SAE & Metric Bolt Torque Chart

Need one value? Pick your bolt below. The result updates instantly, and the full chart remains directly underneath.

Example · 1/2-13 UNC · SAE Grade 5 · dry/plain 75.4 lbf·ft 102 N·m Calculated at 75% of proof load with K = 0.20. Use an application-specific specification when one exists.

Units: SAE rows show ft-lb first; metric rows show N·m first. Each torque cell also shows the converted unit.

On narrow screens, scroll horizontally within the chart if needed. The bolt-size column and column headers remain available while you scroll.

Calculated bolt torque starting estimates at 75% of proof load. SAE rows show lbf·ft first and N·m second; metric rows show N·m first and lbf·ft second. Dry/plain uses K = 0.20 and the lubricated reference uses K = 0.15.
1/4-20 UNC SAE Grade 2 5.47 lbf·ft7.42 N·m 4.10 lbf·ft5.56 N·m
1/4-20 UNC SAE Grade 5 8.45 lbf·ft11.5 N·m 6.34 lbf·ft8.59 N·m
1/4-20 UNC SAE Grade 8 11.9 lbf·ft16.2 N·m 8.95 lbf·ft12.1 N·m
1/4-28 UNF SAE Grade 2 6.25 lbf·ft8.48 N·m 4.69 lbf·ft6.36 N·m
1/4-28 UNF SAE Grade 5 9.66 lbf·ft13.1 N·m 7.25 lbf·ft9.82 N·m
1/4-28 UNF SAE Grade 8 13.6 lbf·ft18.5 N·m 10.2 lbf·ft13.9 N·m
5/16-18 UNC SAE Grade 2 11.3 lbf·ft15.3 N·m 8.45 lbf·ft11.5 N·m
5/16-18 UNC SAE Grade 5 17.4 lbf·ft23.6 N·m 13.1 lbf·ft17.7 N·m
5/16-18 UNC SAE Grade 8 24.6 lbf·ft33.3 N·m 18.4 lbf·ft25.0 N·m
5/16-24 UNF SAE Grade 2 12.5 lbf·ft16.9 N·m 9.36 lbf·ft12.7 N·m
5/16-24 UNF SAE Grade 5 19.3 lbf·ft26.1 N·m 14.5 lbf·ft19.6 N·m
5/16-24 UNF SAE Grade 8 27.2 lbf·ft36.9 N·m 20.4 lbf·ft27.7 N·m
3/8-16 UNC SAE Grade 2 20.0 lbf·ft27.1 N·m 15.0 lbf·ft20.3 N·m
3/8-16 UNC SAE Grade 5 30.9 lbf·ft41.9 N·m 23.2 lbf·ft31.4 N·m
3/8-16 UNC SAE Grade 8 43.6 lbf·ft59.1 N·m 32.7 lbf·ft44.3 N·m
3/8-24 UNF SAE Grade 2 22.6 lbf·ft30.7 N·m 17.0 lbf·ft23.0 N·m
3/8-24 UNF SAE Grade 5 35.0 lbf·ft47.4 N·m 26.2 lbf·ft35.6 N·m
3/8-24 UNF SAE Grade 8 49.4 lbf·ft67.0 N·m 37.1 lbf·ft50.2 N·m
7/16-14 UNC SAE Grade 2 32.0 lbf·ft43.4 N·m 24.0 lbf·ft32.5 N·m
7/16-14 UNC SAE Grade 5 49.4 lbf·ft67.0 N·m 37.1 lbf·ft50.2 N·m
7/16-14 UNC SAE Grade 8 69.8 lbf·ft94.6 N·m 52.3 lbf·ft70.9 N·m
7/16-20 UNF SAE Grade 2 35.7 lbf·ft48.4 N·m 26.8 lbf·ft36.3 N·m
7/16-20 UNF SAE Grade 5 55.2 lbf·ft74.8 N·m 41.4 lbf·ft56.1 N·m
7/16-20 UNF SAE Grade 8 77.9 lbf·ft106 N·m 58.4 lbf·ft79.2 N·m
1/2-13 UNC SAE Grade 2 48.8 lbf·ft66.1 N·m 36.6 lbf·ft49.6 N·m
1/2-13 UNC SAE Grade 5 75.4 lbf·ft102 N·m 56.5 lbf·ft76.7 N·m
1/2-13 UNC SAE Grade 8 106 lbf·ft144 N·m 79.8 lbf·ft108 N·m
1/2-20 UNF SAE Grade 2 55.0 lbf·ft74.5 N·m 41.2 lbf·ft55.9 N·m
1/2-20 UNF SAE Grade 5 85.0 lbf·ft115 N·m 63.7 lbf·ft86.4 N·m
1/2-20 UNF SAE Grade 8 120 lbf·ft163 N·m 90.0 lbf·ft122 N·m
9/16-12 UNC SAE Grade 2 70.4 lbf·ft95.4 N·m 52.8 lbf·ft71.5 N·m
9/16-12 UNC SAE Grade 5 109 lbf·ft147 N·m 81.6 lbf·ft111 N·m
9/16-12 UNC SAE Grade 8 154 lbf·ft208 N·m 115 lbf·ft156 N·m
9/16-18 UNF SAE Grade 2 78.5 lbf·ft106 N·m 58.9 lbf·ft79.8 N·m
9/16-18 UNF SAE Grade 5 121 lbf·ft164 N·m 91.0 lbf·ft123 N·m
9/16-18 UNF SAE Grade 8 171 lbf·ft232 N·m 128 lbf·ft174 N·m
5/8-11 UNC SAE Grade 2 97.1 lbf·ft132 N·m 72.8 lbf·ft98.7 N·m
5/8-11 UNC SAE Grade 5 150 lbf·ft203 N·m 113 lbf·ft153 N·m
5/8-11 UNC SAE Grade 8 212 lbf·ft287 N·m 159 lbf·ft215 N·m
5/8-18 UNF SAE Grade 2 110 lbf·ft149 N·m 82.5 lbf·ft112 N·m
5/8-18 UNF SAE Grade 5 170 lbf·ft230 N·m 127 lbf·ft173 N·m
5/8-18 UNF SAE Grade 8 240 lbf·ft325 N·m 180 lbf·ft244 N·m
3/4-10 UNC SAE Grade 2 172 lbf·ft234 N·m 129 lbf·ft175 N·m
3/4-10 UNC SAE Grade 5 267 lbf·ft361 N·m 200 lbf·ft271 N·m
3/4-10 UNC SAE Grade 8 376 lbf·ft510 N·m 282 lbf·ft383 N·m
3/4-16 UNF SAE Grade 2 192 lbf·ft261 N·m 144 lbf·ft196 N·m
3/4-16 UNF SAE Grade 5 297 lbf·ft403 N·m 223 lbf·ft302 N·m
3/4-16 UNF SAE Grade 8 420 lbf·ft569 N·m 315 lbf·ft427 N·m
7/8-9 UNC SAE Grade 2 167 lbf·ft226 N·m 125 lbf·ft169 N·m
7/8-9 UNC SAE Grade 5 429 lbf·ft582 N·m 322 lbf·ft437 N·m
7/8-9 UNC SAE Grade 8 606 lbf·ft822 N·m 455 lbf·ft616 N·m
7/8-14 UNF SAE Grade 2 184 lbf·ft249 N·m 138 lbf·ft187 N·m
7/8-14 UNF SAE Grade 5 474 lbf·ft642 N·m 355 lbf·ft482 N·m
7/8-14 UNF SAE Grade 8 669 lbf·ft907 N·m 502 lbf·ft680 N·m
1-8 UNC SAE Grade 2 250 lbf·ft339 N·m 187 lbf·ft254 N·m
1-8 UNC SAE Grade 5 644 lbf·ft873 N·m 483 lbf·ft654 N·m
1-8 UNC SAE Grade 8 909 lbf·ft1232 N·m 681 lbf·ft924 N·m
1-12 UNF SAE Grade 2 274 lbf·ft371 N·m 205 lbf·ft278 N·m
1-12 UNF SAE Grade 5 704 lbf·ft955 N·m 528 lbf·ft716 N·m
1-12 UNF SAE Grade 8 995 lbf·ft1348 N·m 746 lbf·ft1011 N·m
M5 × 0.8 Class 8.8 6.17 N·m4.55 lbf·ft 4.63 N·m3.41 lbf·ft
M5 × 0.8 Class 10.9 8.83 N·m6.51 lbf·ft 6.62 N·m4.88 lbf·ft
M5 × 0.8 Class 12.9 10.3 N·m7.61 lbf·ft 7.74 N·m5.71 lbf·ft
M6 × 1.0 Class 8.8 10.5 N·m7.75 lbf·ft 7.88 N·m5.81 lbf·ft
M6 × 1.0 Class 10.9 15.0 N·m11.1 lbf·ft 11.3 N·m8.32 lbf·ft
M6 × 1.0 Class 12.9 17.6 N·m13.0 lbf·ft 13.2 N·m9.72 lbf·ft
M8 × 1.25 Class 8.8 25.5 N·m18.8 lbf·ft 19.1 N·m14.1 lbf·ft
M8 × 1.25 Class 10.9 36.5 N·m26.9 lbf·ft 27.3 N·m20.2 lbf·ft
M8 × 1.25 Class 12.9 42.6 N·m31.4 lbf·ft 32.0 N·m23.6 lbf·ft
M8 × 1.0 Class 8.8 27.3 N·m20.1 lbf·ft 20.4 N·m15.1 lbf·ft
M8 × 1.0 Class 10.9 39.0 N·m28.8 lbf·ft 29.3 N·m21.6 lbf·ft
M8 × 1.0 Class 12.9 45.6 N·m33.6 lbf·ft 34.2 N·m25.2 lbf·ft
M10 × 1.5 Class 8.8 50.5 N·m37.2 lbf·ft 37.8 N·m27.9 lbf·ft
M10 × 1.5 Class 10.9 72.2 N·m53.2 lbf·ft 54.1 N·m39.9 lbf·ft
M10 × 1.5 Class 12.9 84.4 N·m62.2 lbf·ft 63.3 N·m46.7 lbf·ft
M10 × 1.25 Class 8.8 53.2 N·m39.3 lbf·ft 39.9 N·m29.5 lbf·ft
M10 × 1.25 Class 10.9 76.2 N·m56.2 lbf·ft 57.1 N·m42.1 lbf·ft
M10 × 1.25 Class 12.9 89.0 N·m65.7 lbf·ft 66.8 N·m49.3 lbf·ft
M12 × 1.75 Class 8.8 88.0 N·m64.9 lbf·ft 66.0 N·m48.7 lbf·ft
M12 × 1.75 Class 10.9 126 N·m92.9 lbf·ft 94.4 N·m69.6 lbf·ft
M12 × 1.75 Class 12.9 147 N·m109 lbf·ft 110 N·m81.4 lbf·ft
M12 × 1.5 Class 8.8 92.0 N·m67.9 lbf·ft 69.0 N·m50.9 lbf·ft
M12 × 1.5 Class 10.9 132 N·m97.1 lbf·ft 98.7 N·m72.8 lbf·ft
M12 × 1.5 Class 12.9 154 N·m113 lbf·ft 115 N·m85.1 lbf·ft
M14 × 2.0 Class 8.8 141 N·m104 lbf·ft 105 N·m77.8 lbf·ft
M14 × 2.0 Class 10.9 201 N·m148 lbf·ft 151 N·m111 lbf·ft
M14 × 2.0 Class 12.9 235 N·m173 lbf·ft 176 N·m130 lbf·ft
M14 × 1.5 Class 8.8 152 N·m112 lbf·ft 114 N·m83.9 lbf·ft
M14 × 1.5 Class 10.9 217 N·m160 lbf·ft 163 N·m120 lbf·ft
M14 × 1.5 Class 12.9 254 N·m187 lbf·ft 190 N·m140 lbf·ft
M16 × 2.0 Class 8.8 218 N·m161 lbf·ft 164 N·m121 lbf·ft
M16 × 2.0 Class 10.9 312 N·m230 lbf·ft 234 N·m173 lbf·ft
M16 × 2.0 Class 12.9 365 N·m269 lbf·ft 274 N·m202 lbf·ft
M16 × 1.5 Class 8.8 233 N·m172 lbf·ft 175 N·m129 lbf·ft
M16 × 1.5 Class 10.9 333 N·m246 lbf·ft 250 N·m184 lbf·ft
M16 × 1.5 Class 12.9 389 N·m287 lbf·ft 292 N·m215 lbf·ft
M18 × 2.5 Class 8.8 312 N·m230 lbf·ft 234 N·m172 lbf·ft
M18 × 2.5 Class 10.9 431 N·m318 lbf·ft 323 N·m239 lbf·ft
M18 × 2.5 Class 12.9 504 N·m372 lbf·ft 378 N·m279 lbf·ft
M18 × 1.5 Class 8.8 350 N·m258 lbf·ft 263 N·m194 lbf·ft
M18 × 1.5 Class 10.9 485 N·m357 lbf·ft 363 N·m268 lbf·ft
M18 × 1.5 Class 12.9 566 N·m418 lbf·ft 425 N·m313 lbf·ft
M20 × 2.5 Class 8.8 441 N·m325 lbf·ft 330 N·m244 lbf·ft
M20 × 2.5 Class 10.9 610 N·m450 lbf·ft 457 N·m337 lbf·ft
M20 × 2.5 Class 12.9 712 N·m525 lbf·ft 534 N·m394 lbf·ft
M20 × 1.5 Class 8.8 489 N·m360 lbf·ft 367 N·m270 lbf·ft
M20 × 1.5 Class 10.9 676 N·m499 lbf·ft 507 N·m374 lbf·ft
M20 × 1.5 Class 12.9 790 N·m583 lbf·ft 593 N·m437 lbf·ft
M22 × 2.5 Class 8.8 601 N·m443 lbf·ft 451 N·m332 lbf·ft
M22 × 2.5 Class 10.9 831 N·m613 lbf·ft 623 N·m460 lbf·ft
M22 × 2.5 Class 12.9 971 N·m716 lbf·ft 728 N·m537 lbf·ft
M22 × 1.5 Class 8.8 659 N·m486 lbf·ft 495 N·m365 lbf·ft
M22 × 1.5 Class 10.9 912 N·m673 lbf·ft 684 N·m505 lbf·ft
M22 × 1.5 Class 12.9 1066 N·m786 lbf·ft 800 N·m590 lbf·ft
M24 × 3.0 Class 8.8 761 N·m562 lbf·ft 571 N·m421 lbf·ft
M24 × 3.0 Class 10.9 1053 N·m777 lbf·ft 790 N·m583 lbf·ft
M24 × 3.0 Class 12.9 1231 N·m908 lbf·ft 923 N·m681 lbf·ft
M24 × 2.0 Class 8.8 830 N·m612 lbf·ft 623 N·m459 lbf·ft
M24 × 2.0 Class 10.9 1149 N·m847 lbf·ft 861 N·m635 lbf·ft
M24 × 2.0 Class 12.9 1342 N·m990 lbf·ft 1007 N·m743 lbf·ft

Read the row exactly: match the complete thread designation and fastener grade/class. SAE grades and metric property classes are separate systems. The lubricated column is the page’s K = 0.15 reference case, not a universal lubricant correction.

Reference chart, not a manufacturer specification

Torque-to-preload changes with coating, lubricant, washers, bearing surface, reuse, installation method, and joint design. If the equipment, vehicle, flange, structural connection, or fastener supplier gives a tightening specification, use that specification.

Chart actions

Identify the Bolt Grade Before Choosing Torque

The size alone is not enough. A 1/2-13 Grade 2, Grade 5, and Grade 8 bolt uses a different reference torque because each strength grade has a different proof-load basis. Metric property classes use numeric markings instead of SAE radial-line markings.

SAE Grade 2No radial grade lines on common hex-head markings.
SAE Grade 5Three radial grade lines.
SAE Grade 8Six radial grade lines.
Metric 8.8Property class appears numerically.
Metric 10.9Property class appears numerically.
Metric 12.9Property class appears numerically.

Head markings vary by fastener type and product standard. Verify the actual fastener specification when the marking or material is uncertain.

How to Use This Bolt Torque Chart

1. Match the thread
Use the full designation, such as 1/2-13 UNC or M10 × 1.5. 2. Confirm strength
Identify the SAE grade or metric property class from the fastener marking/specification. 3. Match condition
Use dry/plain or the stated lubricant/coating condition—not a generic reduction by habit. 4. Check the application
Use the equipment or joint specification whenever it controls the tightening method.

Why fine and coarse threads can have different torque

At the same nominal diameter, different pitch or TPI changes tensile stress area. For example, using this page’s defaults, a 1/2-13 UNC Grade 5 dry/plain reference is 75.4 lbf·ft (102 N·m), while 1/2-20 UNF is 85.0 lbf·ft (115 N·m). Match the exact thread—not just the nominal diameter.

Why dry and lubricated values differ

Torque is an indirect way to produce preload, and friction consumes much of the applied torque. This page’s dry/plain reference uses K = 0.20; the lubricated reference uses K = 0.15. Holding preload constant, that change lowers the calculated torque by 25%. Real coatings and lubricants can behave differently.

When a Generic Bolt Torque Chart Is Not the Right Specification

Use the governing manufacturer, vehicle, equipment, structural, flange, or engineered tightening procedure when it exists. A generic chart should not replace an application-specific procedure for:

Specified tightening methods

  • Torque-angle or torque-to-yield fasteners
  • Turn-of-nut or direct-tension methods
  • Hydraulic tensioning or controlled elongation

Safety-critical joints

  • Wheel/axle and vehicle-critical fasteners
  • Lifting, aerospace, medical, or pressure-boundary joints
  • Critical rotating equipment

Condition-sensitive hardware

  • Gasketed flanges
  • Prevailing-torque/self-locking hardware
  • Coated, plated, reused, damaged, or specialty-alloy fasteners

How the Torque Values Are Calculated

The table uses the simplified torque-preload relationship T = KFd. The page estimates tensile stress area from the listed thread geometry, multiplies it by the applicable proof stress, targets 75% of that proof load, and applies the selected nut factor.

  1. Tensile stress area: resolve the effective threaded area from diameter and pitch/TPI.
  2. Proof load: proof stress × tensile stress area.
  3. Target preload: 75% of proof load for the chart.
  4. Torque: K × preload × nominal diameter.
Reference relationship T = K × F × d

T = tightening torque, K = empirical nut factor, F = target preload, and d = nominal bolt diameter.

The chart is intentionally transparent about its assumptions because two published torque charts can disagree while both are internally consistent: they may use different proof stresses, preload percentages, friction factors, coatings, or rounding rules.

Engineering Sources and Reference Scope

The torque values are original calculations from the displayed method and assumptions. They are not copied manufacturer tightening specifications or a reproduction of a commercial standards table.

  • NASA RP-1228 — Fastener Design ManualTorque-preload methodology, friction effects, lubrication, and fastener-design context.
  • SAE J429_201405Mechanical and material requirements for the SAE inch-series fastener grades used by this page.
  • ISO 898-1:2013Mechanical and physical properties for the metric property classes used here. ISO lists the 2013 edition as current after confirmation in 2025, with a successor project under development.
  • ISO 16047:2005Torque/clamp-force testing context. ISO lists ISO 16047:2005 as current with Amendment 1:2012.
  • ASME B1.1-2024Unified inch thread designation context.
  • ISO 262:2023Selected metric screw-thread size/pitch context.
Chart basis
75% of proof load
Dry/plain reference
K = 0.20
Lubricated reference
K = 0.15
SAE range
1/4 through 1 in. listed rows
Metric range
M5 through M24 listed rows
Source check
October 4, 2026

Bolt Torque Chart FAQs

What torque should I use for a 1/2-13 Grade 5 bolt?

Using this chart’s default basis of 75% proof load and K = 0.20, a 1/2-13 UNC SAE Grade 5 bolt calculates to approximately 75.4 lbf·ft (102 N·m). Use a manufacturer or assembly-specific specification when one exists.

What torque should I use for an M10 Class 8.8 bolt?

For M10 × 1.5 Class 8.8, this page calculates approximately 50.5 N·m (37.2 lbf·ft) at 75% of proof load and K = 0.20.

Should I reduce bolt torque by 25% when lubricated?

Not as a universal rule. The page’s K = 0.15 lubricated reference is 25% lower than K = 0.20 at the same preload, but the correct torque depends on the actual lubricant, coating, nut, washer, bearing surface, and tested torque-tension behavior.

Are SAE Grade 5 and metric Class 10.9 equivalent?

No. SAE grades and metric property classes are separate standards with different definitions and strength requirements. This page lists them in the same reference tool for convenience but does not treat them as direct equivalents.

Can I use this chart for lug nuts, structural bolts, or flange bolts?

Do not use a generic chart to override a vehicle, structural, flange, equipment, or engineered tightening specification. Those applications can require different methods, friction assumptions, sequences, or target preload.

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