Force Converter

Convert between all force units. Select a conversion from the table below.

Newton

The newton (N) is the SI unit of force. It is defined as the force needed to accelerate one kilogram by one metre per second squared. Newtons are used in physics, engineering, and structural analysis.

1 N to kN 1 N to lbf 1 N to kgf 1 N to dyn

Kilonewton

The kilonewton (kN) equals 1,000 newtons. It is used in structural engineering for building loads, bridge design, and material testing. A person's body weight is roughly 0.6 to 1.0 kN.

1 kN to N 1 kN to lbf 1 kN to kgf 1 kN to dyn

Pound-force

The pound-force (lbf) equals approximately 4.448 newtons. It is widely used in US engineering, aerospace, and structural design for measuring forces, thrust, and material strength.

1 lbf to N 1 lbf to kN 1 lbf to kgf 1 lbf to dyn

Kilogram-force

The kilogram-force (kgf) equals approximately 9.807 newtons. It represents the force exerted by one kilogram under standard gravity. It is used in some engineering contexts and for measuring rocket thrust.

1 kgf to N 1 kgf to kN 1 kgf to lbf 1 kgf to dyn

Dyne

The dyne (dyn) is a CGS unit of force equal to 10⁻⁵ newtons. It is used in some scientific and laboratory contexts, particularly in surface tension and viscosity measurements.

1 dyn to N 1 dyn to kN 1 dyn to lbf 1 dyn to kgf

What Is Force?

Force is an interaction that changes the motion of an object. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. Forces cause objects to accelerate, decelerate, or deform. Newton's second law states that force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma).

SI Force Units

The newton (N) is the SI unit of force, defined as the force needed to accelerate one kilogram by one metre per second squared. The kilonewton (kN) equals 1,000 newtons and is used in structural engineering for building loads. The dyne (dyn) is a CGS unit equal to 10⁻⁵ newtons, used in some scientific contexts.

Gravitational Force Units

Kilogram-force (kgf) equals the force exerted by one kilogram under standard gravity (9.80665 m/s²) — approximately 9.807 newtons. It is used in some European engineering contexts and for describing thrust. Pound-force (lbf) is the force exerted by one pound mass under standard gravity — approximately 4.448 newtons. It is widely used in US engineering, aerospace, and structural analysis.