Force Converter – Convert Between All Force Units

Force Converter

Convert between 40+ force units including newtons, kilonewtons, pound-force, dyne, and more.

Force Conversion Calculator

Enter Value

From Unit

To Unit

Converting…

Conversion Result

Converted Value

Conversion Formula

1 N = 1 N

Conversion Steps

Unit Details

Newton

Symbol:

Conversion Factor:

1 newton

The newton is the SI derived unit of force. It is defined as the force required to accelerate a mass of one kilogram at a rate of one meter per second squared.

Pound-force

Symbol:

lbf

Conversion Factor:

4.4482216153 newtons

The pound-force is a unit of force used in some systems of measurement including English engineering units and the foot-pound-second system. It is equal to the force exerted by one pound of mass in standard gravity.

About Force Conversion

Understanding Force

Force is a physical quantity that describes the interaction that changes the motion of an object. It is a vector quantity, having both magnitude and direction. Force can cause an object with mass to change its velocity, i.e., to accelerate. Force can also be described intuitively as a push or a pull.

The concept of force was first described by Archimedes and later developed by Isaac Newton in his laws of motion. Newton’s second law states that the net force acting upon an object is equal to the rate at which its momentum changes with time. This is often expressed as F = ma, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration.

Force Measurement Systems

Force can be measured using different systems and units:

SI Units: The newton (N) is the SI derived unit of force. It is defined as the force needed to accelerate 1 kilogram of mass at the rate of 1 meter per second squared.
Metric Units: Includes units like kilogram-force (kgf), gram-force (gf), and dyne. These are based on the gravitational force on a given mass.
Imperial Units: Includes pound-force (lbf), ounce-force (ozf), and kip-force. These are commonly used in the United States and some other countries.
Other Units: Includes specialized units like the poundal (used in the foot-pound-second system) and various engineering units.

Applications of Force Conversion

Force conversion is essential in numerous fields and applications:

Engineering: Converting between force units for structural analysis, machine design, and material testing.
Physics: Converting forces in scientific calculations and experiments.
Construction: Converting forces for load calculations and structural integrity assessments.
Aerospace: Converting thrust and aerodynamic forces in aircraft and spacecraft design.
Automotive: Converting forces for engine performance, braking systems, and crash testing.

How to Use This Converter

Our force converter tool allows you to convert between over 40 different force units quickly and accurately. Simply enter the value you want to convert, select the original unit, choose the target unit, and click the Convert button. The tool will display the converted value, the conversion formula used, and step-by-step calculations showing how the conversion was performed.

This converter is particularly useful for engineers, physicists, students, and anyone working with force measurements in different unit systems. All conversions are based on the latest international standards to ensure accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between mass and force?

Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, typically measured in kilograms. Force is a push or pull on an object, measured in newtons. While mass is constant regardless of location, force can vary with conditions like gravity. Weight is a specific type of force – the gravitational force acting on an object’s mass.

How many newtons are in a kilogram-force?

One kilogram-force (kgf) is equal to 9.80665 newtons (N). This conversion is based on standard gravity (9.80665 m/s²), which is the acceleration due to gravity at Earth’s surface. Therefore, 1 kgf is the force exerted by one kilogram of mass under standard gravity.

What is a pound-force and how does it relate to newtons?

A pound-force (lbf) is a unit of force in some systems of measurement including English engineering units. It is equal to the force exerted by one pound of mass under standard gravity. One pound-force is approximately equal to 4.44822 newtons. This unit is commonly used in the United States for measuring force in engineering and everyday applications.

What is the difference between dyne and newton?

The dyne is a unit of force in the centimeter-gram-second (CGS) system of units, while the newton is the SI unit of force. One newton is equal to 100,000 dynes. The dyne is defined as the force required to accelerate a mass of one gram at a rate of one centimeter per second squared, while the newton accelerates one kilogram at one meter per second squared.

How do I convert kilonewtons to pounds-force?

To convert kilonewtons (kN) to pounds-force (lbf), multiply the number of kilonewtons by 224.809. For example, 10 kN equals 10 × 224.809 = 2,248.09 lbf. This conversion is derived from the fact that 1 kN = 1,000 N and 1 lbf ≈ 4.44822 N.

What is a kip-force and when is it used?

A kip-force (kipf) is a unit of force equal to 1,000 pounds-force. It is commonly used in civil engineering and structural analysis in the United States. One kip-force is equal to approximately 4,448.22 newtons. The term “kip” comes from “kilo-pound,” making it easier to express large forces in structural calculations.

What is the difference between pound-force and poundal?

Pound-force (lbf) and poundal (pdl) are both units of force but belong to different systems. Pound-force is defined as the force exerted by one pound of mass under standard gravity. Poundal is defined as the force required to accelerate one pound of mass at one foot per second squared. One pound-force is equal to approximately 32.174 poundals.

How do I convert newtons to kilograms-force?

To convert newtons (N) to kilograms-force (kgf), divide the number of newtons by 9.80665. For example, 100 N equals 100 ÷ 9.80665 ≈ 10.197 kgf. This conversion is based on standard gravity, which is the acceleration due to gravity at Earth’s surface.

What is the smallest unit of force?

The smallest commonly used unit of force is the attonewton (aN), which is equal to 10^-18 newtons. At this scale, forces are typically measured in atomic and subatomic physics. Even smaller units like the zeptonewton (10^-21 N) and yoctonewton (10^-24 N) exist but are rarely used outside of theoretical physics.

Why are there so many different units for measuring force?

The variety of force units developed from different measurement systems, historical practices, and specialized applications. The SI system uses newtons, while imperial systems use pound-force. Other units like dyne (CGS system) and kilogram-force (metric gravitational units) serve specific purposes. Different fields also developed units suited to their typical force magnitudes – from tiny forces in nanotechnology to massive forces in structural engineering.

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