Force Unit Converter

Easy conversion between Newton, kgf, lbf, dyne, and more force units

This tool accurately converts various force units used in physics, engineering, and mechanics. It supports a wide range of units including Newton (N), kilogram-force (kgf), pound-force (lbf), dyne (dyn), gram-force (gf), ounce-force (ozf), poundal (pdl), sthene (sn), and kip.

How to Use - Easy Conversion in 3 Steps

Using this tool is very simple:

Enter the value to convert
Enter the force value you want to convert in the input field and select the unit.
Select the target unit
Select the force unit you want to convert to from the dropdown menu.
Check the result
The conversion result is displayed instantly. You can copy the value and use it as needed.

This tool operates entirely in your browser. Input data is not sent to the server, protecting your privacy.

Enter force to convert

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Use Cases for the Force Converter

The force converter can be used in various situations:

1. Physics Education & Research

In physics, force is a fundamental quantity measured in Newtons (N) in the SI system. Converting to kgf or lbf helps understand real-world weight equivalents. Useful for mechanics problems, dynamics calculations, and experimental data analysis.

2. Mechanical Engineering

In mechanical design and structural engineering, force units vary by region and field. Converting between N, kgf, and lbf is essential when working with international specifications, bolt tightening torque, and material strength calculations.

3. Automotive & Transportation

Engine thrust, braking force, and suspension loads use various force units. Converting from lbf (common in the USA) to N or kgf facilitates international comparison of vehicle specifications.

4. Aerospace Engineering

Aircraft and rocket thrust is expressed in Newtons, pound-force, or kip. Unit conversion is necessary when comparing engine performance internationally or calculating flight dynamics.

5. Materials Testing

Tensile strength, compression tests, and hardness testing use various force units. Converting test results to standard SI units (N) enables comparison across different testing equipment and standards.

6. Robotics & Automation

Robot actuator force, gripper strength, and contact forces require unit conversion when working with motors and sensors from different manufacturers or regions.

7. General Science & CGS System

The dyne (dyn) is used in the CGS system (centimeter-gram-second). Older scientific literature and certain physics contexts still use dyne, requiring conversion to Newton for modern SI calculations.

What is Force Conversion?

Force conversion is converting a value expressed in one force unit to another force unit. Force represents the 'push or pull acting on an object,' and various units such as Newton (N), kilogram-force (kgf), pound-force (lbf), and dyne (dyn) are used depending on the measurement system and region.

Main Force Units and Conversion

Force units can be broadly classified into the SI system, gravitational units, imperial system, and CGS system.

SI System (International System of Units)

Newton (N): SI base unit. The force that accelerates 1 kg mass at 1 m/s². 1 N = 0.10197 kgf = 0.22481 lbf = 100,000 dyn

Gravitational Units

Kilogram-force (kgf): The gravitational force on 1 kg mass. 1 kgf = 9.80665 N ≈ 2.20462 lbf
Gram-force (gf): The gravitational force on 1 g mass. 1 gf = 0.00980665 N = 980.665 dyn

Imperial System (Yard-Pound)

Pound-force (lbf): The gravitational force on 1 pound mass. 1 lbf = 4.44822 N = 0.453592 kgf
Ounce-force (ozf): The gravitational force on 1 ounce mass. 1 ozf = 0.278014 N = 1/16 lbf
Poundal (pdl): Imperial absolute unit. 1 pdl = 0.138255 N = 0.031081 lbf
Kip (kip): 1000 pound-force. 1 kip = 4448.22 N = 1000 lbf. Used in structural engineering.

CGS System & Other Units

Dyne (dyn): CGS system force unit. The force that accelerates 1 g mass at 1 cm/s². 1 dyn = 10⁻⁵ N = 1.01972×10⁻⁶ kgf
Sthene (sn): MTS system force unit. 1 sn = 1000 N = 1 kN. Rarely used.

Benefits of Using the Force Converter

High-Precision Conversion

Achieves error-free force conversion through precise calculations using standard conversion factors. Supports conversions across different measurement systems (SI, gravitational, imperial, CGS).

Instant Results Display

Conversion results are displayed in real-time as soon as you enter a value. Quick switching is possible when comparing multiple units.

Support for Wide Range of Units

Supports various force units from everyday kgf and lbf to Newton for science, dyne for CGS system, and kip for engineering.

Available Anytime, Anywhere

Can be used free from any device including computers, smartphones, and tablets with an internet connection.

Privacy Protection

All calculations are completed in the browser, and input data is not sent to the server. Personal information and confidential data can be handled safely.

Ideal for Education

Can also be used as educational material for learning physics and engineering and deepening understanding of units. The concept of force can be learned practically.

Detailed Guide to Force Units

SI System (International System of Units)

A system of units internationally standardized for science and technology.

Newton (N)

SI base unit for force, defined as the force that accelerates 1 kilogram mass at 1 meter per second squared (1 N = 1 kg·m/s²). Named after physicist Sir Isaac Newton. Used as the standard in modern physics and engineering. A 100g apple weighs approximately 1 N on Earth.

Gravitational Force Units

Units based on gravitational force experienced by mass on Earth.

Kilogram-force (kgf)

The gravitational force acting on 1 kilogram mass on Earth (1 kgf = 9.80665 N). Also called kilopond (kp). Intuitively easy to understand as it relates to weight. Historically used in engineering but gradually being replaced by Newton.

Gram-force (gf)

The gravitational force on 1 gram mass (1 gf = 0.00980665 N = 980.665 dyn). Used for small forces and precision measurements. Common in watch mechanisms and micro-engineering.

Imperial System

Force units primarily used in the USA and UK.

Pound-force (lbf)

The gravitational force on 1 pound mass on Earth (1 lbf = 4.44822 N). Commonly used in the USA for engineering specifications, bolt torque, and thrust measurements. Aviation and automotive industries frequently use lbf.

Ounce-force (ozf)

The gravitational force on 1 ounce mass. 1 ounce = 1/16 pound, so 1 ozf = 1/16 lbf = 0.278014 N. Used for measuring small forces.

Poundal (pdl)

The imperial absolute force unit. The force that accelerates 1 pound mass at 1 foot per second squared (1 pdl = 0.138255 N). Rarely used in modern times.

Kip (kip)

1000 pound-force (1 kip = 1000 lbf = 4448.22 N). Kip is short for 'kilopound.' Used in civil and structural engineering for expressing large forces like building loads and bridge design forces.

CGS System & Other Units

Units from the centimeter-gram-second system and specialized units.

Dyne (dyn)

The CGS system force unit. The force that accelerates 1 gram mass at 1 centimeter per second squared (1 dyn = 1 g·cm/s² = 10⁻⁵ N). Used in older physics literature and specialized fields. Very small unit—1 Newton equals 100,000 dyne.

Sthene (sn)

The MTS system (meter-tonne-second) force unit. 1 sthene = 1000 Newton = 1 kN. Rarely used. Also spelled 'sthène' in French.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert Newton to kgf?

To convert Newton (N) to kilogram-force (kgf), divide by 9.80665. Example: 100 N ÷ 9.80665 = 10.197 kgf. Conversely, to convert kgf to N, multiply by 9.80665. This factor comes from Earth's standard gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m/s²).

What's the difference between kgf and kg?

kg (kilogram) is a unit of mass, while kgf (kilogram-force) is a unit of force. Mass represents the 'amount of matter,' while force represents 'push or pull.' 1 kgf is the gravitational force acting on 1 kg mass on Earth. In SI units, force should be expressed in Newtons (1 kgf = 9.80665 N).

How do I convert lbf to N?

To convert pound-force (lbf) to Newton (N), multiply by 4.44822. Example: 50 lbf × 4.44822 = 222.41 N. Conversely, to convert N to lbf, divide by 4.44822 (or multiply by 0.224809).

What is a dyne? How does it relate to Newton?

A dyne (dyn) is the force unit in the CGS system (centimeter-gram-second). 1 dyne is the force that accelerates 1 gram mass at 1 cm/s². 1 N = 100,000 dyn (10⁵ dyn). Dyne is a very small unit, used in older scientific literature and specialized physics fields.

What is a kip?

A kip is 1000 pound-force (1 kip = 1000 lbf = 4448.22 N). The name comes from 'kilopound.' Used in civil and structural engineering in the USA for expressing large forces. For example, building column loads and bridge design forces are often specified in kip.

Is force the same as weight?

Weight is a type of force—specifically, the gravitational force acting on an object. However, force is a broader concept including various types like pushing, pulling, friction, and electromagnetic forces. Weight = mass × gravitational acceleration (W = mg). On Earth, 1 kg mass weighs about 9.8 N.

How accurate is this tool?

This tool uses standard conversion factors and calculates to 8 decimal places. It has sufficient accuracy for scientific calculations and practical use. Conversion factors follow internationally recognized values (NIST, ISO standards).

When should I use Newton vs. kgf?

Newton (N) is the SI standard unit and should be used in modern scientific and technical documentation. Kilogram-force (kgf) is an older unit but still used in some industries and regions for its intuitive connection to weight. In formal reports and international communication, Newton is recommended.