🧲 Force

Force Converter

Weights on a crane, tension in a bolt, thrust from a jet — convert newtons, kilogram-force and pound-force. Press Convert after entering your value.

Written and reviewed by SM Arijul Islam · Last reviewed 28 October 2026 · Editorial standards · Report an error

About the force converter

One newton accelerates a one-kilogram mass at one metre per second squared. Kilogram-force and pound-force are "gravitational" units: they describe the weight of one kilogram or one pound under standard gravity, which is why 1 kgf = 9.80665 N exactly.

Factors used

1 kgf (kilopond) = 9.80665 N exactly
1 lbf = 4.4482216152605 N exactly
1 dyne = 0.00001 N
1 poundal = 0.138254954376 N
1 ozf = 0.2780138509537812 N

Force × distance = torque, so a force value often pairs with the Torque Converter or the Pressure Converter.

How to convert force

Force is a push or a pull, measured in newtons (N). One newton accelerates a one-kilogram mass at one metre per second squared. The kilogram-force and pound-force describe the force gravity exerts on a mass at Earth's surface, so 1 kgf is 9.80665 N and 1 lbf is about 4.4482216 N. Because weight is a force, it is properly measured in newtons, while mass is measured in kilograms.

Common force conversions

One newton expressed in other units of force
Unit	1 newton equals
Dyne (dyn)	100,000
Ounce-force (ozf)	3.5969431
Pound-force (lbf)	0.22480894
Kilogram-force (kgf)	0.10197162
Kilonewton (kN)	0.001
Kip (kip)	0.00022480894

Everyday uses

Structural and engineering loads
Lifting capacity and rigging
Bolt and fastener specifications
Physics problems and experiments
Pull-force ratings for equipment

Frequently asked questions

Is weight a force?

Yes. Weight is the gravitational force acting on a mass, which is why it is measured in newtons while mass is measured in kilograms.

How many newtons is one kilogram-force?

9.80665 N, based on the standard acceleration of gravity.

What is the difference between lbf and lb?

The pound (lb) is a unit of mass; the pound-force (lbf) is the force that mass exerts under standard gravity.

What is a dyne?

The CGS unit of force, equal to 10 micronewtons — useful for very small forces.

More worked examples

One kilogram of mass on Earth weighs 9.80665 newtons at standard gravity.
A force of 10 N is about 1.02 kgf.
A 1,500 kg car accelerating at 2 m/s² needs 3,000 N, because force is mass times acceleration.
100 pounds-force is about 444.82 N.

Quick reference

Common force units expressed in newtons
Unit	In newtons
1 newton	1 kg·m/s²
1 kilogram-force (kgf)	9.80665 N
1 pound-force (lbf)	4.448222 N
1 dyne	0.00001 N
1 poundal	0.138255 N
1 kilonewton	1,000 N

Common mistakes to avoid

Reporting weight in kilograms. Kilograms measure mass; the force of that mass is expressed in newtons.
Using 10 N per kilogram for precision work. Standard gravity is 9.80665 m/s², and the difference matters over large loads.
Assuming weight is the same everywhere. It varies with local gravity and is roughly one sixth of Earth value on the Moon.
Confusing pound-mass with pound-force. A pound-force is the force gravity exerts on one pound of mass.

Further questions

What is one kilogram in newtons?

9.80665 N, which is the force gravity exerts on one kilogram at Earth standard gravity.

What is the difference between mass and force?

Mass is the quantity of matter, measured in kilograms. Force is an interaction that changes motion, measured in newtons as mass times acceleration.

Why does an astronaut weigh less on the Moon?

Lunar gravity is about 1.62 m/s², roughly one sixth of Earth, so the same mass produces far less weight.

What is a kilonewton used for?

Engineering. Structural loads, breaking strengths and crane ratings are all quoted in kilonewtons.

Sources and standards

The newton is the SI derived unit of force: one kilogram metre per second squared. NIST SP 811 defines the pound-force as 4.4482216152605 N using standard gravity, which is the factor applied here rather than a rounded 4.45.