About Force Converter

Force is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the interaction between objects. The newton (N) is the SI unit of force, defined as the force needed to accelerate 1 kilogram at 1 meter per second squared.

Common Force Units

  • Newton (N): The base unit of force in the International System of Units (SI). One newton equals the force needed to accelerate 1 kilogram at 1 meter per second squared.
  • Pound-force (lbf): Commonly used in the United States and other countries using imperial units. One pound-force equals the force exerted by gravity on a mass of one pound.
  • Dyne (dyn): The CGS unit of force, used in some scientific contexts. One dyne equals the force needed to accelerate 1 gram at 1 centimeter per second squared.
  • Kilogram-force (kgf): A metric unit of force, equal to the force exerted by gravity on a mass of one kilogram.

Applications

Force conversions are essential in:

  • Physics: Understanding motion, mechanics, and dynamics
  • Engineering: Structural analysis, mechanical design, and stress calculations
  • Construction: Load calculations and structural integrity
  • Automotive: Engine power, braking force, and vehicle dynamics
  • Aerospace: Thrust calculations and flight dynamics

Conversion Examples

  • 1 newton = 0.224809 pound-force (SI to imperial unit)
  • 1 pound-force = 4.44822 newtons (Imperial to SI unit)
  • 1 dyne = 0.00001 newtons (CGS to SI unit)
  • 1 kilogram-force = 9.80665 newtons (Metric to SI unit)

Use our force converter to quickly convert between these and many other force units for your calculations and applications.

Common Conversions

1 newton
0.224809 pound-force
Basic force conversion from SI unit to imperial unit
1 pound-force
4.44822 newtons
Common force conversion from imperial to SI unit
1 dyne
0.00001 newtons
CGS unit to SI unit conversion
1 kilogram-force
9.80665 newtons
Metric force unit to SI unit conversion

Unit Definitions

Newton (N)

The SI unit of force, defined as the force needed to accelerate 1 kilogram at 1 meter per second squared

Formula: 1 N = 1 kg × 1 m/s²

Pound-force (lbf)

The force exerted by gravity on a mass of one pound at standard gravity

Formula: 1 lbf = 4.44822 N

Dyne (dyn)

The CGS unit of force, equal to the force needed to accelerate 1 gram at 1 centimeter per second squared

Formula: 1 dyn = 0.00001 N

Kilogram-force (kgf)

The force exerted by gravity on a mass of one kilogram at standard gravity

Formula: 1 kgf = 9.80665 N

Poundal (pdl)

The force needed to accelerate 1 pound at 1 foot per second squared

Formula: 1 pdl = 0.138255 N

Kip (kip)

A unit of force equal to 1000 pounds-force

Formula: 1 kip = 4448.22 N

Ton-force (tf)

The force exerted by gravity on a mass of one metric ton

Formula: 1 tf = 9806.65 N

Ounce-force (ozf)

The force exerted by gravity on a mass of one avoirdupois ounce

Formula: 1 ozf = 0.278014 N

Gram-force (gf)

The force exerted by gravity on a mass of one gram at standard gravity

Formula: 1 gf = 0.00980665 N

Millinewton (mN)

One thousandth of a newton

Formula: 1 mN = 0.001 N