Torque is a measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis. It is the rotational equivalent of linear force and is also referred to as the moment of force. Torque is a vector quantity, and its direction depends on the direction of the force on the axis. The magnitude of torque is defined as the product of the magnitude of the perpendicular component of the force and the distance of the line of action of a force from the point around which it is being determined. Torque is typically measured in pounds-feet (lb.-ft) and is denoted by the symbol τ or the lowercase Greek letter tau.

Torque is what causes an object to acquire angular acceleration. A static torque is one that does not produce an angular acceleration, while a dynamic torque produces an angular acceleration. Torque can be calculated by measuring the force and the perpendicular distance between the point of application of force and the pivot point.

In automobiles, torque is the twisting force that speaks to the engines rotational force and measures how much of that twisting force is available when an engine exerts itself. The engines in vehicles rotate about an axis, thus creating torque. Torque is what rockets a sports car from 0-60 kmph in seconds and powers big trucks hauling heavy loads into motion.