Force Converter
Convert between newtons, pounds-force, kilograms-force and dynes.
What the Force Converter does
A newton is the force that accelerates one kilogram at one metre per second squared. Kilogram-force is the weight of one kilogram under standard gravity, which is why it equals 9.80665 N.
Formula
Convert to newton, then divide by the target unit's factorResult = Value × (from factor ÷ to factor)
Inputs explained
| Input | Unit | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value | number | Yes | — |
| From | one of 6 options | Yes | — |
| To | one of 6 options | Yes | — |
How to use it
- Choose From and To.
- Enter Value.
- Select Calculate.
Worked example
Convert 500 newtons to pounds-force.
- Value
- 500
- From
- Newton
- To
- Pound-force
500 ÷ 4.4482 = 112.4 lbf.
Reading the result
- Newtons and kilogram-force describe the same push measured differently: 10 kgf and 98.07 N are one force, not two.
- Weight is a force, so a 70 kg person weighs about 686 N at sea level. The mass stays 70 kg anywhere; only the weight changes with gravity.
Assumptions and limitations
- Kilogram-force, pound-force and ounce-force are defined at standard gravity, 9.80665 m/s². Local gravity varies enough to shift the third decimal place.
Common mistakes
- Confusing pound-force with pound-mass. They are numerically equal only under standard gravity, and mixing them into imperial engineering work introduces a hidden factor of 32.174.
- Feeding kilogram-force into a formula that expects SI units, which scales the answer by 9.80665.
Frequently asked questions
Is weight a force?
Yes. Weight is mass times gravitational acceleration, so it is measured in newtons even though we quote it in kilograms colloquially.