Force Converter

Force Converter (N ⇄ lbf ⇄ kgf ⇄ dynes ⇄ kN)

1. Core Idea

This page lets you instantly convert force values between the most used units: Newton (N), pound‑force (lbf), kilogram‑force (kgf), dyne (dyn), kilonewton (kN), kip, and more. The calculator always converts through Newtons internally so every result stays consistent and uses exact standard factors (e.g. 1 lbf = 4.4482216153 N, 1 kgf = 9.80665 N, 1 dyn = 1×10⁻⁵ N).

2. Formulas

Generic conversion path: value_in_target = value_in_source × (N per source) ÷ (N per target). All other relationships derive from the factors above.

3. Quick Values

• 1 N ≈ 0.224809 lbf ≈ 0.101972 kgf
• 10 N ≈ 2.24809 lbf ≈ 1.01972 kgf
• 100 N ≈ 22.4809 lbf ≈ 10.1972 kgf
• 1 lbf = 4.44822 N ≈ 0.453592 kgf
• 50 lbf ≈ 222.411 N ≈ 22.698 kgf
• 1 kgf = 9.80665 N ≈ 2.20462 lbf
• 1 kN = 1000 N ≈ 224.809 lbf ≈ 101.972 kgf

4. Worked Example

Convert 350 N to pound‑force.

Use 1 N = 0.224808943 lbf: 350 × 0.224808943 = 78.682 (lbf). Round suitably → ≈ 78.68 lbf.

Cross‑check via reverse factor: 78.682 lbf × 4.4482216153 N/lbf ≈ 350.00 N (confirms consistency).

5. Common Uses

• Engineering: Structural loads (kN, kip), bolt preload, material testing.
• Physics / Education: Lab experiments, dynamics, friction, tension.
• Automotive & Aerospace: Thrust, downforce, brake & clamp forces.
• Manufacturing: Press tonnage, actuator and hydraulic cylinder sizing.
• Everyday Context: Approximate “weight” (kgf / lbf) of objects under Earth gravity.

6. Accuracy & Tips

• Use enough significant figures internally (the tool does this) then round for display.
• kgf assumes standard gravity 9.80665 m/s²; real local g varies slightly.
• Distinguish mass (kg) from force (N). A kgf is a force, not a mass.
• For large structural loads prefer kN or kip to avoid big numbers.
• Dyne is mainly historical/academic (CGS); convert to N early for clarity.

7. More Examples Table

Values rounded to 5–6 significant digits for readability; calculator retains full precision.

8. FAQ

Is kilogram‑force (kgf) still used? Yes in some engineering specs and legacy documents; SI recommends Newtons, but kgf remains common informally for approximate “weight”.

Why does 1 kgf equal 9.80665 N? It is defined as the force exerted by a 1 kg mass under standard gravity (g₀ = 9.80665 m/s²).

What is the difference between kN and kip? 1 kip = 1000 lbf ≈ 4.44822 kN. Structural engineering in the US often uses kips; elsewhere kN is standard.

How precise is a pound‑force? By definition 1 lbf = 4.4482216152605 N (often rounded to 4.44822 N in tables).

Do I need to correct for local gravity? Only if very high accuracy is required with kgf; for most everyday comparisons standard gravity is fine.