Force Converter Convert between newtons, kilonewtons, pound-force, kilogram-force, dynes, and poundals.

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Force Converter

Convert between newtons, kilonewtons, pound-force, kilogram-force, dynes, and poundals.

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What Is Force Converter?

A force converter translates between different units of force — the push or pull that causes acceleration. The newton (N) is the SI unit, defined as the force needed to accelerate 1 kg at 1 m/s². Kilogram-force (kgf) represents the gravitational force on 1 kg at standard gravity. Pound-force (lbf) is the imperial equivalent. Dynes (CGS system) and poundals (imperial absolute) are older units still found in some physics texts. This converter is essential for engineering, physics, and any application involving mechanical forces.

Why Use Force Converter?

Covers SI (N, kN), gravitational (kgf, lbf), and CGS (dyne) force units.
Essential for physics and mechanical engineering.
Uses exact conversion factors.
Real-time bidirectional conversion.

Common Use Cases

Mechanical Engineering

Convert force specifications between metric and imperial systems.

Physics Education

Work with force problems across different unit systems.

Material Testing

Express tensile strength and load measurements in the required force unit.

Aerospace

Translate thrust ratings between newtons and pound-force for propulsion analysis.

Technical Guide

Force = mass × acceleration (F = ma). The newton is defined as:
1 N = 1 kg × 1 m/s²

Key conversions:
• 1 kN = 1,000 N
• 1 kgf = 9.80665 N (using standard gravity g₀ = 9.80665 m/s²)
• 1 lbf = 4.44822 N
• 1 dyne = 10⁻⁵ N (CGS unit)
• 1 poundal = 0.13825 N (the force that accelerates 1 lb at 1 ft/s²)

The distinction between mass and force is critical: a kilogram is a unit of mass, while a kilogram-force is a unit of force. In everyday speech, "weight" usually means force (gravitational), but the kilogram on your scale is technically measuring mass. The kgf exists to bridge this conceptual gap.

Tips & Best Practices

1
1 kgf ≈ 9.81 N (the weight of 1 kg on Earth's surface).
2
1 lbf ≈ 4.45 N. To convert quickly, multiply pounds-force by 4.45.
3
Rocket thrust is often given in kN or lbf. SpaceX Merlin engine: ~845 kN = ~190,000 lbf.
4
The dyne is tiny: 1 N = 100,000 dynes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q How many newtons is one pound-force?

One pound-force equals approximately 4.44822 newtons.

Q What is the difference between kgf and kg?

The kilogram (kg) is a unit of mass. Kilogram-force (kgf) is the gravitational force on 1 kg: 1 kgf = 9.80665 N.

Q What is a dyne?

A dyne is the CGS unit of force: the force needed to accelerate 1 gram at 1 cm/s². One dyne = 10⁻⁵ newtons.

Q What is a poundal?

A poundal is the force that accelerates one pound-mass at one foot per second squared. It equals about 0.1383 N.

Q How do I convert lbf to kgf?

Divide by 2.20462 (same as the mass conversion). 1 lbf ≈ 0.4536 kgf.

About This Tool

Force Converter is a free online tool by FreeToolkit.ai. All processing happens directly in your browser — your data never leaves your device. No registration or installation required.