98.0665
N
0.098066
kN
22.046226
lbf
98.0665
x
98.0665
N
0.098066
kN
22.046226
lbf
98.0665
x
The Kilograms-Force to Newtons Converter converts force measurements from kilograms-force (kgf), also known as kiloponds (kp), to newtons (N) using the exact conversion factor 1 kgf = 9.80665 N. This factor is exact because kgf is defined using the standard acceleration of gravity, gn = 9.80665 m/s², which is an internationally agreed-upon constant.
The kilogram-force is the gravitational force exerted by one kilogram of mass at standard gravity. Despite not being an SI unit, kgf remains widely used in many practical applications. European mechanical engineering specifications frequently use kgf for spring constants, fastener preload, and material testing. Fitness equipment is often rated in kgf. Pressure gauges in some countries display kgf/cm² alongside pascals. Older engineering handbooks and technical literature extensively use kgf.
Converting to newtons is essential for compliance with modern SI-based engineering standards, scientific publication, and international trade specifications. The newton, as the coherent SI unit of force, is required in most academic and regulatory contexts worldwide.
This converter also provides results in pounds-force (lbf) for users who need imperial equivalents. The chain conversion is: kgf → N → lbf, maintaining full precision at each step.
The formula is: N = kgf × 9.80665. This conversion is exact by definition: the kilogram-force is the force exerted by 1 kg under standard gravity, and standard gravity is defined as exactly 9.80665 m/s². For pounds-force: lbf = kgf × 9.80665 × 0.224809, or equivalently lbf = kgf × 2.20462.
Practical references: 1 kgf is approximately the weight of a liter of water, 10 kgf ≈ 98 N is the force needed to lift a 10 kg dumbbell, 100 kgf ≈ 981 N is roughly the weight of a large adult. Industrial springs may have rates specified in kgf/mm, easily converted to N/mm by multiplying by 9.80665.
Inputs
Results
20 kgf = 196.1 N ≈ 44.1 lbf
Inputs
Results
500 kgf ≈ 4903 N ≈ 1102 lbf
A kilogram-force (kgf) is the force exerted by one kilogram of mass under standard gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m/s²). It equals exactly 9.80665 newtons.
Yes, 1 kgf = 9.80665 N is exact by definition. Standard gravity (g_n = 9.80665 m/s²) was fixed by international agreement in 1901.
Kilopond (kp) is another name for kilogram-force (kgf). The term was common in German-speaking engineering. 1 kp = 1 kgf = 9.80665 N.
Multiply by 98066.5. Since 1 kgf = 9.80665 N and 1 cm² = 10⁻⁴ m², then 1 kgf/cm² = 98066.5 Pa ≈ 0.981 bar ≈ 14.22 psi.
The SI system uses the newton as its coherent force unit (kg·m/s²). The kgf depends on the gravitational constant, which varies with location, making it less fundamental than the newton.
In European mechanical engineering, fitness equipment ratings, some Asian industrial specifications, pressure gauges (kgf/cm²), and older technical literature worldwide.
kg (kilogram) is a unit of mass. kgf (kilogram-force) is a unit of force. A 1 kg mass exerts 1 kgf of weight force only at standard gravity. In space, 1 kg still has mass but exerts zero kgf.
1 kgf ≈ 2.20462 lbf. This follows from 1 kgf = 9.80665 N and 1 lbf = 4.44822 N.
100 kgf = 980.665 N ≈ 0.981 kN. This is roughly the weight of a 220 lb person.
Multiply by 9.80665. For example, a spring rated at 5 kgf/mm = 49.03 N/mm.
Roboculator Team
The Roboculator Team explains calculations, planning tools, and practical formulas in clear language for real-life situations.
How helpful was this calculator?
Be the first to rate!
Force Converter (General)
Force & Torque Converters
Newtons to Pounds-Force Converter
Force & Torque Converters
Pounds-Force to Newtons Converter
Force & Torque Converters
Dynes to Newtons Converter
Force & Torque Converters
Poundals to Newtons Converter
Force & Torque Converters
Kips to Newtons Converter
Force & Torque Converters
