Force Converter
Convert newtons, kilonewtons, dynes, kilogram-force and pound-force — defined exactly from standard gravity.
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How to use this tool
Steps for using the Unit Converter.
- Type a number into From — newtons are preselected. Commas and scientific notation such as 2.5e3 are accepted.
- Pick the units to convert between; the result in pounds-force (or whichever unit you choose) updates as you type. Use the swap button to reverse the conversion.
- Set the decimal places, turn on Show formula to see the calculation, and copy or share the result.
- Below the converter, the table lists every force unit with its exact definition, and the links open dedicated pages for the most common pairs.
Example
100 newtons to pounds-force
100 N22.480894 lbf
Formula: lbf = N ÷ 4.448221615Common use cases
- Engineering loads and load-cell readings.
- Thrust and tension calculations.
- Converting older kgf or lbf specifications to newtons.
Force unit table
| Unit | Symbol | System | Definition | In newtons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newton | N | SI | 1 kg·m/s², the SI unit of force | 1 |
| Kilonewton | kN | Metric | 1,000 N | 1,000 |
| Dyne | dyn | Metric | 1 g·cm/s² = 10⁻⁵ N (CGS) | 0.00001 |
| Kilogram-force | kgf | Metric | Exactly 9.80665 N | 9.80665 |
| Pound-force | lbf | US customary | ≈ 4.448222 N (1 lb × standard gravity) | 4.4482216153 |
Other unit converters
- Length convertermm · cm · m · km · in · ft · yd · mi · nmi
- Weight convertermg · g · kg · t · oz · lb · st
- Speed converterm/s · km/h · mph · ft/s · kn
- Volume convertermL · L · cm³ · m³ · gal (US) · qt (US) · cup (US) · fl oz (US) · gal (UK) · fl oz (UK)
- Temperature converter°C · °F · K
- Area convertermm² · cm² · m² · km² · in² · ft² · yd² · ac · ha
- Time converterms · s · min · h · d · wk
- Angle converter° · rad · gon · ′ · ″ · tr
About force units
The newton is the SI unit of force: the force that accelerates 1 kg at 1 m/s². Kilogram-force and pound-force are the weight of 1 kg and 1 lb under standard gravity (exactly 9.80665 m/s²), so 1 kgf = 9.80665 N and 1 lbf ≈ 4.44822 N.
The dyne (10⁻⁵ N) is the CGS unit, still found in older physics texts and for surface tension.
Limitations
- Results are rounded for display only; the calculation keeps full precision (15 significant digits).
Frequently asked questions
How many newtons is 1 kg?
A mass of 1 kg weighs 9.80665 N under standard gravity — that's one kilogram-force.
What is a pound-force?
The weight of one pound mass under standard gravity, about 4.448 N.
What is a kilonewton?
1,000 N, roughly the weight of 102 kg. Climbing gear and anchors are often rated in kN.
Are these force conversions exact?
Each unit is defined from its official definition (for example 1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly). Results are calculated in double precision and only rounded to the decimal places you choose when shown.