Force Converter

Convert between newton, kilogram-force, pound-force, dyne, ton-force, and many other force units with scientific precision.

Enter a number (e.g., 100 or 1.23e-4)
Enter a numeric value to convert. You can use decimal points and scientific notation (e.g., 1.23e-4). Press Enter to convert.
Result updates automatically
Copied!

Force Units Explained

Newton (N)

The SI unit of force, defined as the force needed to accelerate 1 kg of mass at 1 m/s². 1 N = 1 kg·m/s². Named after Isaac Newton.

Common uses: Physics calculations, engineering, mechanics, force analysis, structural design.

Kilonewton (kN)

One thousand newtons. 1 kN = 1000 N = 101.97 kgf. Common in structural and civil engineering.

Common uses: Building loads, bridge design, crane capacity, structural analysis, foundation calculations.

Kilogram-force (kgf)

Force exerted by 1 kg under standard gravity. 1 kgf = 9.807 N. Legacy metric unit, still used in some regions.

Common uses: Industrial equipment, weightlifting standards, pressure gauges, older technical specs.

Pound-force (lbf)

Imperial unit of force. 1 lbf = 4.44822 N. Force exerted by 1 pound under standard gravity.

Common uses: US engineering, equipment specifications, load ratings, automotive specs.

Dyne (dyn)

CGS unit of force. 1 dyn = 10⁻⁵ N. Very small force unit used in physics.

Common uses: Physics research, atomic scale forces, historical physics texts.

Ton-force (metric, short, long)

Force from 1 metric ton under gravity. 1 tf = 9806.65 N. Also US short tons and UK long tons.

Common uses: Heavy equipment capacity, vehicle pulling power, industrial load ratings.

Ounce-force (ozf)

Force of 1 ounce under gravity. 1 ozf = 0.2780139 N. Small imperial force unit.

Common uses: Precision scales, small spring forces, tension in threads.

Kip-force (kipf)

1000 pounds-force. 1 kipf = 4448.22 N. Used extensively in structural engineering.

Common uses: Structural steel design, load specifications, engineering calculations, building codes.

Poundal (pdl)

FPS (Foot-Pound-Second) unit. 1 pdl = 0.138255 N. Rarely used in modern engineering.

Application: Historical physics, some older FPS system calculations.

Gram-force (gf)

Force of 1 gram under gravity. 1 gf = 0.009807 N. Small metric force unit.

Common uses: Precision instruments, small force measurement, laboratory equipment.

Force Conversions Quick Reference

  • 1 Newton: 0.10197 kgf = 0.22481 lbf = 100,000 dyn
  • 1 Kilonewton: 101.97 kgf = 224.81 lbf ≈ 0.1 metric ton-force
  • 1 Pound-force: 4.4482 N = 0.4536 kgf = 16 ozf
  • 1 Kilogram-force: 9.807 N = 2.2046 lbf = 1000 gf
  • 1 Ton-force (metric): 9806.65 N = 1000 kgf = 2204.6 lbf
  • 1 Kip-force: 4448.22 N = 453.59 kgf = 1000 lbf
  • Typical person weight: ~700-900 N (70-90 kgf, 150-200 lbf)
  • Car weight force: ~12,000-18,000 N (1.2-1.8 metric ton-force)

Force Applications in Engineering

  • Structural Engineering: Kilonewtons (kN) for loads, reactions, member forces
  • Mechanical Engineering: Newtons for detailed calculations, springs, bearings
  • Civil Engineering: kN for building loads, bridge design, foundation capacity
  • Equipment Ratings: Often in lbf (US) or kgf (metric)
  • Automotive: Pound-force for braking, pulling, suspension forces
  • Material Testing: Newtons or kilonewtons for strength testing
  • Building Codes: Specified in kN or lbf depending on region
  • Safety Factors: Always verify loads with professional engineering calculations

Important: Weight vs Force Distinction

  • Weight: Gravitational force on an object (depends on gravity)
  • Mass: Amount of matter (constant everywhere)
  • Force equation: F = m × g (force = mass × gravitational acceleration)
  • Standard gravity: g = 9.81 m/s² (varies slightly by location)
  • On Moon: Same mass weighs about 1/6 of Earth weight
  • Unit conversions: Weight in N = mass in kg × 9.807
  • Kilogram-force definition: Force of 1 kg at standard gravity = 9.807 N