How to convert newtons to kilograms-force
- Take the value in newtons.
- Use the formula kilograms-force = newtons ÷ 9.80665.
- For example, 1 N is 0.102 kgf.
About newtons and kilograms-force
Divide newtons by 9.80665 to get kilogram-force, or multiply by 0.101972. Dividing by 10 gives a quick answer about 2% low. 1 N is about 102 grams-force, the weight of a 102 g mass.
Load ratings on climbing gear, ropes, rigging and fasteners are often given in kN, while people think of loads in kilograms. Converting kN to kgf answers “how many kilos can this hold?”, but the rating is a breaking strength, not a safe working load.
Examples
- 1 N (one newton) is 0.102 kgf
- 1,000 N (one kilonewton) is 101.97 kgf
- 12,000 N (the UIAA limit on impact force for a single climbing rope) is 1,223.66 kgf
- 25,000 N (a carabiner rated at 25 kN along its spine) is 2,549.29 kgf
Newtons to kilograms-force chart
| Newtons (N) | Kilograms-force (kgf) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.102 |
| 5 | 0.51 |
| 9.81 | 1 |
| 10 | 1.02 |
| 20 | 2.04 |
| 50 | 5.1 |
| 100 | 10.2 |
| 200 | 20.39 |
| 500 | 50.99 |
| 1,000 | 101.97 |
| 2,000 | 203.94 |
| Newtons (N) | Kilograms-force (kgf) |
|---|---|
| 5,000 | 509.86 |
| 9,000 | 917.74 |
| 10,000 | 1,019.72 |
| 12,000 | 1,223.66 |
| 15,000 | 1,529.57 |
| 20,000 | 2,039.43 |
| 22,000 | 2,243.38 |
| 25,000 | 2,549.29 |
| 50,000 | 5,098.58 |
| 100,000 | 10,197.16 |