ENGINEERING TOOL
M12 Bolt Torque Chart
Target preload and tightening torque ranges (min–typ–max) for M12 bolts across six property classes and five friction states. K-factor method, basis fully disclosed.
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Torque by Property Class and Friction State
Quick answer: class 8.8 · electro zinc ≈ 77 N·m (68–91); other classes and friction states below.
| Class | Rp0.2 (MPa) | Target preload (kN) | Dry / Black K 0.18–0.22 · N·m | Electro Zinc K 0.15–0.2 · N·m | Hot-Dip Galv. K 0.18–0.25 · N·m | Oiled K 0.12–0.15 · N·m | Wax / PTFE / Anti-seize K 0.08–0.12 · N·m |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8 | 340 | 20.1 | 48 43–53 | 41 36–48 | 53 43–60 | 31 29–36 | 24 19–29 |
| 8.8 | 640 | 37.8 | 91 82–100 | 77 68–91 | 100 82–113 | 59 54–68 | 45 36–54 |
| 10.9 | 940 | 55.5 | 133 120–146 | 113 100–133 | 146 120–166 | 87 80–100 | 67 53–80 |
| 12.9 | 1100 | 64.9 | 156 140–171 | 132 117–156 | 171 140–195 | 101 93–117 | 78 62–93 |
| A2-70 | 450 | 26.6 | 64 57–70 | 54 48–64 | 70 57–80 | 41 38–48 | 32 25–38 |
| A4-80 | 600 | 35.4 | 85 76–93 | 72 64–85 | 93 76–106 | 55 51–64 | 42 34–51 |
Cell shows the typical value; the small line below is the range (min–max).
References
- ISO 898-1:2013 — Mechanical properties of fasteners made of carbon and alloy steel
- ISO 3506-1:2020 — Mechanical properties of corrosion-resistant stainless steel fasteners (A2/A4)
- GB/T 3098.1-2010 — Mechanical properties of bolts, screws and studs (CN national standard, official full text)
- GB/T 3098.6-2014 — Mechanical properties of stainless steel bolts, screws and studs (CN, official full text)
- ISO 16047:2005 — Fasteners: torque/clamp force testing (K-factor measurement method)
- Machinery's Handbook (30th ed.) — empirical K-factor ranges
- Machine Design — anti-seize compound friction test (K≈0.10)
Fine-Thread Torque Matrix
Fine-thread series (M12 × 1.5 mm) target preload and tightening torque ranges, same basis as the coarse chart; the fine-thread stress area As follows ISO 898-1:2013 Table 6 (this page takes M12 As = 88.1 mm²).
| Class | Rp0.2 (MPa) | Target preload (kN) | Dry / Black K 0.18–0.22 · N·m | Electro Zinc K 0.15–0.2 · N·m | Hot-Dip Galv. K 0.18–0.25 · N·m | Oiled K 0.12–0.15 · N·m | Wax / PTFE / Anti-seize K 0.08–0.12 · N·m |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8 | 340 | 21 | 50 45–55 | 43 38–50 | 55 45–63 | 33 30–38 | 25 20–30 |
| 8.8 | 640 | 39.5 | 95 85–104 | 81 71–95 | 104 85–118 | 62 57–71 | 47 38–57 |
| 10.9 | 940 | 58 | 139 125–153 | 118 104–139 | 153 125–174 | 90 83–104 | 70 56–83 |
| 12.9 | 1100 | 67.8 | 163 147–179 | 138 122–163 | 179 147–204 | 106 98–122 | 81 65–98 |
| A2-70 | 450 | 27.8 | 67 60–73 | 57 50–67 | 73 60–83 | 43 40–50 | 33 27–40 |
| A4-80 | 600 | 37 | 89 80–98 | 75 67–89 | 98 80–111 | 58 53–67 | 44 36–53 |
Cell shows the typical value; the small line below is the range (min–max).
Basis of Calculation & Sources
Torque follows the K-factor (nut factor) method T = K·D·F: D is the nominal diameter and F the target preload = 70% of Rp0.2 × thread stress area (M12 As = 84.3 mm²). Yield strengths are published values from ISO 898-1 (carbon/alloy steel) and ISO 3506-1 (stainless A2/A4). K follows published empirical ranges per friction condition (Machinery's Handbook; the wax/PTFE/anti-seize band K≈0.10 follows Machine Design test data). The grease/MoS₂ band (K≈0.11) nearly overlaps anti-seize and is available in the calculator instead of a separate column.
Stainless note: A2/A4 austenitic thread pairs gall easily under frictional heating. Always apply anti-seize and follow the Wax/PTFE/Anti-seize column (K≈0.10).
Boundary: this chart is a simplified K-factor estimate, not a full VDI 2230 analysis (which accounts for joint resilience, embedment and assembly method). Friction is the dominant variable — no single torque value exists without its friction state. Always follow the design specification or manufacturer torque table.
Corresponding standard page
Open the GB/T 5783 / DIN 933 standard product page: sizes, materials and finishes, and ordering questions.
Open the GB/T 5783 / DIN 933 page
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FAQ
What is the tightening torque for an M12 class 8.8 bolt?
It depends on the friction state (typical values at 70% of Rp0.2 target preload): oiled ≈ 59 N·m, electro zinc ≈ 77 N·m, hot-dip galvanized ≈ 100 N·m, dry/black ≈ 91 N·m, anti-seize ≈ 45 N·m. See the matrix above for ranges — no single torque value exists without its friction state.
What is the target preload for an M12 bolt?
At 70% of Rp0.2: class 4.8 ≈ 20.1 kN, 8.8 ≈ 37.8 kN, 10.9 ≈ 55.5 kN; stainless A2-70 ≈ 26.6 kN and A4-80 ≈ 35.4 kN.
Can I use carbon-steel torque values for stainless M12 (A2-70/A4-80)?
No. The classes have different yield strengths (A2-70 = 450 MPa, A4-80 = 600 MPa), so target preloads differ; and stainless thread pairs gall easily — always apply anti-seize and follow the Wax/PTFE/Anti-seize column (K≈0.10).
What basis are these torque values calculated on?
The K-factor method T = K·D·F with target preload = 70% of Rp0.2 × stress area (yield strengths per ISO 898-1 / ISO 3506-1 published values) and K per published empirical friction ranges. Estimated values, not assembly instructions; run a full VDI 2230 analysis for critical joints.
Related References
Bolt Torque Calculator
Interactive version: fine threads, imperial, stud bolts, custom K and torque check — this size is pre-filled.
Metric Bolt Torque Chart (Reference)
Full M6–M36 tables with disclosed formula and GB/ISO clause citations; every value reproducible.
M12 Hex Bolt Weight Chart
Per-piece and per-1,000-pcs weights across the full length series of the same size.
M12 Hex Key Size Chart
Which hex key (Allen wrench) fits a socket head cap screw of the same size: socket width across flats, key long and short arm lengths, and unit weight on the GB/T 70.1 + GB/T 5356 basis.
Disclaimer: This chart is an engineering estimation for selection and budgeting only. It does not constitute assembly instructions or acceptance criteria.