Force Converter
Convert newtons, kilonewtons, kilogram-force, pound-force and dynes.
Convert between units of force used in physics and engineering. Enter a value and pick the units — everything is converted through the newton, the SI unit of force.
Formula / method
Examples
9.8067 N
44.482 N
What the units mean
Force is measured in newtons (N) in the SI system: one newton is the push needed to accelerate one kilogram at one metre per second squared. This converter also handles kilonewtons (1 kN = 1000 N), the CGS dyne (1 N = 100,000 dyne), and two gravity-based units. Kilogram-force (kgf) and pound-force (lbf) are the weight of a given mass under standard gravity, so 1 kgf = 9.80665 N and 1 lbf = 4.44822 N.
The conversions are exact ratios, so switching a value between fields never loses precision beyond normal rounding. Everything runs in your browser with no data sent anywhere.
When you actually need it
Engineers and physics students meet this most often when a spec quotes weight in kilogram-force or pound-force but the calculation needs newtons, or when a bolt torque table mixes units. A common mistake is treating kilogram-force as a mass: 1 kgf is a force equal to the weight of 1 kg, not the kilogram itself.
If you are converting the underlying mass rather than a force, reach for a plain weight tool instead. For pressure work, remember force divided by area gives pascals, which is a separate quantity.
Where it's used
- Converting a weight given in kilogram-force to newtons for a physics problem
- Reading a spring, actuator or winch spec rated in pound-force (lbf)
- Checking a bolt-torque or clamping-force table that mixes units
- Converting old CGS dyne figures from a textbook to SI newtons
- Sizing a lifting point rated in kgf when the calculation needs newtons
Real-world examples
- A 10 kg mass has a weight of about 98.1 N (10 kgf × 9.80665).
- A pull rated at 50 lbf converts to roughly 222.4 N.
- A 2 kN crane-hook rating equals about 204 kgf.
- One newton — the SI unit — is close to the weight of a small 100 g apple.
A bit of history
The newton is named after Sir Isaac Newton in recognition of his work on classical mechanics, especially his second law of motion. The 9th General Conference on Weights and Measures officially adopted the name in 1948.
Did you know?
One newton is roughly the downward pull of a small apple (about 100 g) resting in your hand — a fitting scale for the unit named after Newton.
FAQ
What is a kilogram-force?
One kilogram-force (kgf) is the force gravity exerts on a 1 kg mass at sea level — about 9.807 newtons.