Convert force between newtons, kilonewtons, pound-force, kilogram-force, ounce-force, and dynes.
SI Units
N
kN
Gravitational / Technical Units
kgf
The force exerted by one kilogram of mass under standard gravity (9.806 65 m/s²). Equal to 9.806 65 N exactly.
Imperial Units
lbf
ozf
CGS Units
dyn
The CGS unit of force. 1 dyne is the force needed to accelerate 1 gram at 1 cm/s². Equal to 10⁻⁵ N exactly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many newtons are in 1 pound-force?
Exactly 4.448 221 615 260 5 N. A pound-force is the force that standard gravity (9.806 65 m/s²) exerts on a mass of one pound (0.453 592 37 kg). Multiplying: 0.453 592 37 × 9.806 65 = 4.448 221 615 260 5 N. This value is exact under the international definition of the pound.
What is kilogram-force (kgf)?
Kilogram-force (kgf) is the force that standard gravity (g = 9.806 65 m/s²) exerts on a mass of one kilogram. It equals 9.806 65 N exactly.
The unit is widely used in mechanical engineering, spring ratings, and load specifications — particularly in older European and Russian technical literature. It is not an SI unit, but it remains practical because a load of "100 kgf" is immediately interpretable as the weight of a 100 kg object at sea level.
Disclaimer
All conversions use exact SI definitions: 1 kgf = 9.806 65 N, 1 lbf = 4.448 221 615 260 5 N, 1 ozf = 0.278 013 851 N, 1 dyn = 10⁻⁵ N. Displayed values are rounded.
