Bolt Torque Calculator

Bolt Torque Calculator

Clamp load, tightening torque, and proof load for SAE and metric bolts

Results

Tightening Torque
Clamp Load Fi
Proof Load

Formula Reference

Clamp Load: Fi = (Preload% / 100) × Sp × At
Proof Load: Fp = Sp × At
Torque: T = K × Fi × d

where:
Sp = Proof strength (psi or MPa)
At = Tensile stress area (in² or mm²)
K = Nut factor (depends on condition)
d = Nominal bolt diameter (in or m)

K factors: Dry=0.20, Oiled=0.17, Well-lube=0.15,
Zinc=0.17, Cadmium=0.13

Worked Example

1/2″-13 Grade 5 bolt, dry condition (K=0.20), 75% preload.

ParameterValue
Tensile stress area At0.1419 in²
Proof strength Sp85,000 psi
Proof load Fp85,000 × 0.1419 = 12,062 lbf
Clamp load Fi (75%)0.75 × 12,062 = 9,046 lbf
Torque T0.20 × 9,046 × 0.5 = 905 in-lbf = 75.4 ft-lbf