Convert between various force units instantly. From Newtons to pound-force, kilogram-force to dynes - all with precision and accuracy for physics, engineering, and mechanics.
Formula: lbf = N × 0.224809
Formula: N = lbf × 4.44822
Formula: kgf = N × 0.101972
Formula: N = kgf × 9.80665
Formula: dyn = N × 100,000
Formula: N = dyn ÷ 100,000
Formula: N = kN × 1,000
Formula: kN = N ÷ 1,000
Force is one of the most fundamental concepts in physics, describing the interaction that causes an object to change its velocity, shape, or direction. Understanding force units and how to convert between them is essential for engineers, physicists, mechanics, and anyone working with physical systems. This force converter provides instant, accurate conversions between the most commonly used force units worldwide.
The Newton (N) is the International System of Units (SI) standard for measuring force. Named after Sir Isaac Newton for his groundbreaking work in classical mechanics, one Newton is defined as the force required to accelerate a one-kilogram mass at one meter per second squared (1 N = 1 kg·m/s²). This makes the Newton directly connected to the fundamental units of mass, length, and time. In everyday terms, one Newton is approximately the force exerted by gravity on a small apple (about 102 grams).
Pound-force (lbf) is the standard unit of force in the Imperial and US customary systems. It is defined as the gravitational force exerted on one pound of mass at standard Earth gravity. One pound-force equals approximately 4.448 Newtons. Pound-force is widely used in American engineering, particularly in aerospace, automotive, and construction industries. Engine thrust, structural loads, and material strength are frequently specified in pound-force in these contexts.
Kilogram-force (kgf), also known as kilopond, represents the force exerted by one kilogram of mass under standard Earth gravity. One kilogram-force equals 9.80665 Newtons exactly. While not part of the SI system, kilogram-force remains common in many countries and industries because of its intuitive connection to weight. When you hold a one-kilogram object, you are experiencing approximately one kilogram-force. This unit is particularly prevalent in older engineering documentation and in countries transitioning to SI units.
The dyne is the unit of force in the centimeter-gram-second (CGS) system. One dyne is defined as the force required to accelerate one gram at one centimeter per second squared. Since 1 Newton equals 100,000 dynes, the dyne is a much smaller unit suitable for measuring tiny forces. While less common today, dynes are still used in some scientific contexts, particularly in surface tension measurements and certain physics calculations where CGS units are traditional.