How to use the force converter
- Type a value in either box. Decimals with a comma or a point both work.
- Choose the units on each side, or press the arrows to swap them.
- The table below shows the value in every unit at once. Click a row to convert to that unit.
About force units
The newton is the force that accelerates 1 kg by 1 m/s². Science and most engineering work in newtons and kilonewtons, while US engineering often uses the pound-force (lbf).
The gravitational units are based on standard gravity, exactly 9.80665 m/s². A kilogram-force is the weight of 1 kg under standard gravity, exactly 9.80665 N, and a pound-force is the weight of 1 lb, 4.44822 N. So 1 N is 0.224809 lbf, and 1 kgf is 2.20462 lbf, the same ratio as kilograms to pounds.
Newtons are not kilograms. A kilogram is mass and a newton is force. When a hook or rope is rated to hold "100 kg", that means 100 kgf, which is 980.665 N.
Popular force conversions
Force units
| Unit | Symbol | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Newtons | N | The base unit |
| Kilonewtons | kN | 1 kN = 1,000 N |
| Pounds-force | lbf | 1 lbf = 4.448221615 N |
| Kilograms-force | kgf | 1 kgf = 9.80665 N |
| Dynes | dyn | 1 dyn = 0.00001 N |
| Ounces-force | ozf | 1 ozf = 0.278013851 N |
| Poundals | pdl | 1 pdl = 0.1382549544 N |
| Tonnes-force | tf | 1 tf = 9,806.65 N |
Converting something else? The unit converter covers every kind of unit in one place.