Also referred to as the residual torque; it is the torque present in an unenergized stepper motor caused by its magnetic rotor. Due to the detent torque, stepper motors tend to hold their position even when unenergized.

The minimal torque present in an unenergized motor. The detent torque of a step motor is typically about 1% of its static energized torque.

The torque required to rotate a non-energized motor.