Moment is the measure of the capacity or ability of the force to produce twisting or turning effect about an axis. This axis is perpendicular to the plane containing the line of action of the force. The magnitude of moment is equal to the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the axis to the line of action of the force. The intersection of the plane and the axis is commonly called the moment center, and the perpendicular distance from the moment center to the line of action of the force is called moment arm.

From the figure above, O is the moment center and d is the moment arm. The moment M of force F about point O is equal to the product of F and d.