Force Converter
Convert any force between newtons, kilonewtons, pound-force, kilogram-force, kips, dynes and ton-force. Every unit updates as you type, with the exact definition behind each factor.
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How to use the Force Converter
- Type the force you want to convert.
- Pick the unit you have in the From list and the unit you need in the To list.
- Read the result at the top of the results panel, plus the conversion factor in both directions.
- Scroll to the table to see the same force in all 14 units, or download it as CSV.
- Press Copy results to paste the numbers into a report or spreadsheet.
How force unit conversion works
All force units are converted through the SI unit, the newton (N): one newton accelerates a 1 kg mass at 1 m/s² (N = kg·m/s²). The converter multiplies your value by the unit's size in newtons, then divides by the size of the target unit:
result = value × (N per source unit) ÷ (N per target unit)
Gravitational units such as pound-force, kilogram-force and ton-force are defined with standard gravity g₀ = 9.80665 m/s², so their factors are exact numbers, not measurements.
| Unit | Symbol | Definition | In newtons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newton | N | 1 kg·m/s² | 1 |
| Kilonewton | kN | 1,000 N | 1,000 |
| Dyne | dyn | 1 g·cm/s² (CGS) | 0.00001 |
| Pound-force | lbf | 0.45359237 kg × g₀ | 4.4482216152605 |
| Ounce-force | ozf | 1/16 lbf | 0.278013851 |
| Kip | kip | 1,000 lbf | 4,448.2216152605 |
| Short ton-force (US) | tonf | 2,000 lbf | 8,896.443230521 |
| Long ton-force (UK) | tonf | 2,240 lbf | 9,964.016418184 |
| Kilogram-force / kilopond | kgf, kp | 1 kg × g₀ | 9.80665 |
| Metric ton-force | tf | 1,000 kgf | 9,806.65 |
| Poundal | pdl | 1 lb·ft/s² | 0.138254954376 |
Quick reference: common force conversions
| Conversion | Multiply by | Example |
|---|---|---|
| N → lbf | 0.224809 | 500 N = 112.40 lbf |
| lbf → N | 4.448222 | 200 lbf = 889.64 N |
| kN → lbf | 224.8089 | 5 kN = 1,124.04 lbf |
| kN → kgf | 101.9716 | 2 kN = 203.94 kgf |
| kgf → N | 9.80665 | 75 kgf = 735.50 N |
| kip → kN | 4.448222 | 12 kips = 53.38 kN |
| US tonf → kN | 8.896443 | 20 tonf = 177.93 kN |
Tips for engineers and students
- Force is not mass. A load rating of "500 kg" on a hook really means 500 kgf ≈ 4.9 kN. Convert to newtons before using it in F = m·a or stress formulas.
- Bolt and anchor data in US catalogs is often in lbf or kips, while European data uses kN. 1 kip ≈ 4.45 kN is a handy mental check.
- Keep units consistent in calculations: mixing lbf with SI meters gives wrong results. Convert everything to N, m and kg first.
- "Ton" is ambiguous. Crane and press capacities may be in US tons, UK tons or metric tonnes; the difference between US and metric is about 10%.
Frequently asked questions
How many newtons are in a pound-force?
One pound-force is exactly 4.4482216152605 N. It is defined as the force needed to accelerate a mass of one avoirdupois pound (0.45359237 kg) at standard gravity, 9.80665 m/s².
How do I convert kN to lbf?
Multiply kilonewtons by 224.809. For example, 10 kN × 224.809 = 2,248.09 lbf. The exact factor is 1000 ÷ 4.4482216152605.
What is a kip?
A kip (kilo-pound) is 1,000 pound-force, about 4.448 kN. It is common in US structural engineering for loads on beams, columns and bolts.
Is kilogram-force the same as kilogram?
No. A kilogram is a unit of mass, while a kilogram-force (kgf, also called kilopond) is the weight of 1 kg under standard gravity: exactly 9.80665 N. On Earth the numbers match, which is why scales show kilograms.
What is the difference between a short, long and metric ton-force?
A short (US) ton-force is 2,000 lbf ≈ 8.896 kN, a long (UK) ton-force is 2,240 lbf ≈ 9.964 kN, and a metric ton-force (tonne-force) is 1,000 kgf = 9.80665 kN. Always check which one a spec sheet means.
How many dynes are in a newton?
1 N = 100,000 dyn. The dyne is the CGS unit of force: the force that accelerates 1 gram at 1 cm/s², so 1 dyn = 10⁻⁵ N.
Does gravity on other planets change these conversions?
No. The factors for lbf, kgf and ton-force use the fixed standard gravity of 9.80665 m/s² by definition. Local gravity only matters when you turn a force back into a mass you would measure on a scale.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.