Force Unit Conversion

Enter a value in any unit below to instantly convert between Newton, Kilonewton, Gram-force, Kilogram-force, Pound-force, Kilopound-force.

Newton (N)

N

Kilonewton (kN)

kN

Gram-force (gf)

gf

Kilogram-force (kgf)

kgf

Pound-force (lbf)

lbf

Kilopound-force (kipf)

kipf

Unit Conversion Relations

1 kilogram-force (kgf) = 9.80665 newton (N) = 2.20462 pound-force (lbf)
1 newton (N) = 0.101972 kilogram-force (kgf) = 0.224809 pound-force (lbf)
1 kilopound-force (kipf) = 1000 pound-force (lbf) = 4448.22 newton (N)

FAQ

What is the difference between force and weight?
Force is any push or pull acting on an object, measured in newtons (N). Weight is a specific type of force caused by gravity acting on mass. Weight = mass × gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²). Force can exist without gravity, but weight cannot.
Why do we have both newton and kilogram-force units?
Newton (N) is the SI unit based on fundamental physics (F = ma). Kilogram-force (kgf) is based on the weight of 1 kg under standard gravity. While kgf is more intuitive for everyday use, newton is preferred in scientific and engineering calculations.
How do I convert between metric and imperial force units?
Use these key conversions: 1 kgf = 9.807 N = 2.205 lbf. For example, to convert 50 lbf to newtons: 50 ÷ 2.205 = 22.68 kgf, then 22.68 × 9.807 = 222.4 N. The calculator handles these conversions automatically.
What are typical force values in engineering?
Human grip strength: 300-700 N, car engine force: 10-50 kN, aircraft engine thrust: 100-500 kN, building structural loads: 1-100 MN. These values help understand the scale of forces in different applications.
How accurate are force unit conversions?
The conversions use internationally defined standards. For example, 1 kgf = exactly 9.80665 N by definition. The calculator maintains precision suitable for engineering calculations, structural analysis, and scientific applications.
What are common applications for force calculations?
Force calculations are essential in structural engineering (load analysis), mechanical design (component sizing), aerospace (thrust calculations), automotive (braking forces), and materials testing (tensile/compressive strength). They're fundamental to safety and performance analysis.