What is the difference between Torque and Power ?

In engineering, torque and power are fundamental concepts that play a critical role in the design, analysis, and operation of mechanical systems.

Torque

Torque is a measure of the rotational force applied to an object. It determines how much force is acting on an object to make it rotate around an axis.

Torque(τ) = Force(F) × Distance(r)

Where:

r is the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation

F is the force applied

Units: Newton-meter (Nm) in SI units

In a car engine, torque reflects how much twisting force the engine can produce. It influences acceleration, especially from a standstill.

Power

Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred over time. In mechanical systems, it’s a combination of torque and rotational speed.

Power = Energy / Time

Power = 2π × RPM × Torque / 60

Or in SI units:

P = τ ⋅ ω

Where:

P = Power (Watts)
τ = Torque (Nm)
ω = Angular velocity (radians/sec)

Units: Watt (W) in SI units
Often expressed in kilowatts (kW) or horsepower (HP) in automotive engineering

In the same car engine, power determines the top speed and overall performance. A car with higher power can maintain high speeds and perform better under load

Aspect	Torque	Power
What it measures	Rotational force	Rate of doing work
Affects	Acceleration, pulling power	Top speed, sustained performance
Units	Newton-meter (Nm)	Watt (W), Horsepower (HP)
Depends on	Force and lever arm	Torque and rotational speed (RPM)

Analogy

Imagine riding a bicycle:

Torque is how hard you push the pedals.

Power is how quickly you’re able to go as a result of how hard and how fast you pedal.

Examples

Automotive Engineering

Torque

This allows it to tow heavy loads and climb steep gradients easily. For instance, a truck engine producing 800 Nm of torque at 2,000 RPM can haul a trailer with ease.
Torque is crucial for initial acceleration and pulling force.

Power

A sports car like a Ferrari may generate 500+ horsepower (about 373 kW).
This enables it to reach high top speeds and accelerate quickly even at higher RPMs.

Power dictates how fast the car can sustain high speeds or overtake on a highway.

Industrial Machinery

Torque

Hydraulic presses or industrial cranes need high torque to lift heavy materials.
High torque motors ensure strong, steady force without needing high rotational speed.

Power

CNC machines (Computer Numerical Control) use high-power motors to rapidly drill, cut, or shape materials.
High power allows for fast and efficient material removal over time

Wind Turbines

Torque

The blades of a wind turbine experience high torque due to wind acting at a large radius.
This torque turns the shaft connected to a generator.

Power

A large turbine might produce 2 megawatts (MW) of electrical power.
Impact: This amount of power can supply electricity to hundreds of homes

Construction Equipment

Torque

Excavators and bulldozers use hydraulic systems that deliver massive torque.
These machines can dig, lift, or push heavy earth and rubble without needing speed.

Power

Concrete mixers and pumps need high power to mix and pump concrete continuously.
Allows them to operate at high throughput for large-scale projects.

Aerospace Applications

Torque

In aircraft, actuators that move control surfaces (like flaps or rudders) apply torque.
Ensures precise aerodynamic control during flight.

Power

A jet engine might produce 100,000 horsepower.
That power propels the plane forward, overcoming drag and gravity to enable flight.

---

Interested in our engineering courses?

We have over 70 courses across all major engineering disciplines, including, mechanical, electrical and electronic, civil, aerospace, industrial, computer and general engineering. Visit our course catalogue for a complete list of fully accredited engineering programmes.

A small selection of short courses …

Diploma in Civil Engineering

Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Diploma in Material Science

Diploma in Structural Engineering

Level 6 Courses

International Graduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering  

International Graduate Diploma in Civil Engineering

International Graduate Diploma in Aerospace Engineering

Level 5 Courses

Higher International Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Higher International Diploma in Civil Engineering 

Higher International Diploma in Aerospace Engineering

Level 4 Courses

Higher International Certificate in Mechanical Engineering

Higher International Certificate in Civil Engineering 

Higher International Certificate in Aerospace Engineering

Alternatively, you can view all our online engineering courses here.