Torque is the amount of rotational effort exerted at the crankshaft by an engine. The unit of measure is a pound-foot, which represents a force of one pound acting at right angles at the end of an arm one foot long.

Remember:

"Torque gets it going, and Horsepower keeps it going."

Torque is used for moving from a standing stop; such as pulling a boat out of the water. Torque is the force that throws you back in your seat when you stomp on the gas. Horsepower is used for things like towing a trailer over a distance. Horsepower also creates a vehicle's top-end speed.