How to convert pounds-force to newtons
- Take the value in pounds-force.
- Use the formula newtons = pounds-force × 4.448221615.
- For example, 1 lbf is 4.45 N.
About pounds-force and newtons
A pound-force is the weight of a 1 lb mass under standard gravity: 0.45359237 kg × 9.80665 m/s² = 4.44822 N. Multiply lbf by 4.448 to get newtons. For a quick estimate multiply by 4.5, which is about 1% high.
US specs give forces in pounds: bow draw weights, winch and hoist ratings, spring rates, jet engine thrust and fastener clamp loads. Engineering work and specs from other countries use newtons or kilonewtons, so the figures have to be converted to compare.
Examples
- 1 lbf (one pound-force) is 4.45 N
- 50 lbf (a 50 lb bow draw weight) is 222.41 N
- 150 lbf (the weight of a 150 lb person) is 667.23 N
- 3,000 lbf (a 3,000 lb ATV winch rating) is 13,344.66 N
Pounds-force to newtons chart
| Pounds-force (lbf) | Newtons (N) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 4.45 |
| 2 | 8.9 |
| 5 | 22.24 |
| 10 | 44.48 |
| 20 | 88.96 |
| 25 | 111.21 |
| 30 | 133.45 |
| 40 | 177.93 |
| 50 | 222.41 |
| 60 | 266.89 |
| 70 | 311.38 |
| 100 | 444.82 |
| Pounds-force (lbf) | Newtons (N) |
|---|---|
| 150 | 667.23 |
| 200 | 889.64 |
| 250 | 1,112.06 |
| 500 | 2,224.11 |
| 1,000 | 4,448.22 |
| 2,000 | 8,896.44 |
| 3,000 | 13,344.66 |
| 5,000 | 22,241.11 |
| 10,000 | 44,482.22 |
| 12,000 | 53,378.66 |
| 20,000 | 88,964.43 |
| 50,000 | 222,411.08 |