How to convert force
A newton is the force that accelerates 1 kg at 1 m/s². Kilogram-force is the weight of 1 kg under standard gravity (9.80665 m/s²), so 1 kgf = 9.80665 N. Likewise 1 lbf = 4.44822 N. Engineers in India often use kN and tonnes-force for loads: 1 tf ≈ 9.807 kN.
- Newtons to kgf: divide by 9.80665.
- kN to tonnes-force: divide by 9.80665 (100 kN ≈ 10.2 tf).
- lbf to N: multiply by 4.44822.
Common force conversion factors
| Unit | Equals | Reverse |
|---|---|---|
| 1 newton | 0.1019716213 kgf | 1 kilogram-force = 9.80665 N |
| 1 kilonewton | 0.1019716213 tf | 1 tonne-force = 9.80665 kN |
| 1 pound-force | 4.448221615 N | 1 newton = 0.2248089431 lbf |
| 1 kilonewton | 101.9716213 kgf | 1 kilogram-force = 0.00980665 kN |
| 1 dyne | 0.00001 N | 1 newton = 1,00,000 dyn |
| 1 kip | 4.448221615 kN | 1 kilonewton = 0.2248089431 kip |
| 1 kilonewton | 224.8089431 lbf | 1 pound-force = 0.0044482216 kN |
Force conversions
Each of these has its own page with the formula, worked examples and a full conversion table:
Newtons to kilograms-forceKilograms-force to newtonsKilonewtons to tonnes-forceTonnes-force to kilonewtonsPounds-force to newtonsNewtons to pounds-forceKilonewtons to kilograms-force
All force units on this converter
| Unit | Symbol | 1 unit equals | System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millinewton | mN | 0.001 N | Metric (SI) |
| Newton | N | 1 N | Metric (SI) |
| Kilonewton | kN | 1,000 N | Metric (SI) |
| Meganewton | MN | 10,00,000 N | Metric (SI) |
| Dyne | dyn | 0.00001 N | Metric (CGS) |
| Gram-force | gf | 0.00980665 N | Gravitational |
| Kilogram-force | kgf | 9.80665 N | Gravitational |
| Tonne-force | tf | 9,806.65 N | Gravitational |
| Pound-force | lbf | 4.448221615 N | Imperial / US |
| Ounce-force | ozf | 0.278013851 N | Imperial / US |
| Poundal | pdl | 0.1382549544 N | Imperial / US |
| Kip | kip | 4,448.221615 N | Imperial / US |
Frequently asked questions
How many newtons is 1 kg?
A mass of 1 kg weighs 1 kilogram-force = 9.80665 newtons under standard gravity.
What is a kip?
A kip (kilo-pound) is 1,000 pound-force = 4.448 kN, used in US structural engineering.
How many dynes are in a newton?
1 newton = 100,000 dynes.