Force Unit Converter (N, kgf, dyn, lbf)

Converts a force into newtons, kilonewtons, kilograms-force, grams-force, dynes and pounds-force. One kilogram-force is the weight of a one kilogram mass, defined as exactly 9.80665 N.

Explanation

Enter a force and choose its unit, and every other unit follows. Kilograms-force convert to newtons exactly as easily as newtons convert back.

The definitions

1 kgf = 9.80665 N exactly
1 lbf = 4.4482216152605 N
1 dyn = 10⁻⁵ N

A kilogram-force is the weight of a one kilogram mass. The number 9.80665 is the standard acceleration due to gravity, fixed by definition, so the conversion does not drift even though real gravity varies slightly from place to place.

Example

Convert one kilogram-force.

1 \times 9.80665 = 9.80665\ \text{N}

That is 980,665 dynes, or 2.2046 pounds-force.

kg versus kgf

This is where mistakes happen.

kg — mass, the amount of matter, unchanged on the Moon
kgf — force, the pull of gravity on that mass, a sixth as much on the Moon

A person of 60 kg presses on the ground with 60 kgf, or 588.4 N. A bathroom scale really measures that 588.4 N and converts it back into a mass for you.

Where it is used

Bolt torque specifications, given in N·m or kgf·m
Spring ratings and cable strengths
Older machine documentation is written in kgf and often has to be converted into SI newtons