Force Converter - Convert Between Newtons, Pounds-force, Dynes, Kilonewtons and More
Free force converter tool for converting between newtons, kilonewtons, pounds-force, dynes, grams-force, kilograms-force, tons-force, and more. Our converter supports metric, imperial, and other force units with instant real-time conversions. Perfect for physics calculations, engineering applications, and everyday force conversions.
Last updated: January 24, 2026
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How it works:
Enter a value in any field to convert to all other force units. Conversions update automatically as you type.
Force Units Supported
Definition
1 N = 1 kg·m/s²
The standard unit of force in the International System of Units (SI)
Conversion
1 kN = 1,000 N
Widely used in construction, engineering, and structural analysis
Conversion
1 lbf ≈ 4.448 N
Commonly used in US engineering and mechanical applications
Conversion
1 dyn = 10⁻⁵ N
Historical unit from the centimeter-gram-second system
Conversion
1 kgf ≈ 9.807 N
Still used in specific applications like rocket engine thrust
Available units
mN, daN, MN, GN, TN, pdl, kip, sn, kp
Includes millinewtons, meganewtons, poundals, kips, and more
Quick Example Result
For 100 newtons (N):
Kilonewtons
0.1 kN
Pounds-force
22.48 lbf
Kilograms-force
10.20 kgf
Dynes
10,000,000 dyn
How Our Force Converter Works
Our force converter uses precise conversion factors based on official unit definitions to convert between different force measurement systems. All conversions are calculated in real-time as you type, ensuring instant and accurate results for physics calculations, engineering applications, and everyday conversions.
Force Conversion Formulas
1 kilonewton (kN) = 1,000 newtons (N)1 pound-force (lbf) = 4.4482216153 newtons (N)1 dyne (dyn) = 0.00001 newtons (N)1 kilogram-force (kgf) = 9.80665 newtons (N)1 gram-force (gf) = 0.00980665 newtons (N)1 ton-force (tf) = 9,806.65 newtons (N)All conversions are based on official unit definitions from international standards. The converter uses these precise factors to ensure accurate conversions between metric, imperial, and other force units.
Understanding Force Units
Force is a fundamental concept in physics, representing the interaction that changes an object's motion. Different measurement systems have developed their own force units over time, each with specific applications and historical contexts.
- Newtons (N): The SI unit, defined as 1 kg·m/s², named after Sir Isaac Newton
- Kilonewtons (kN): Commonly used in engineering for larger forces (1 kN = 1,000 N)
- Pounds-force (lbf): Imperial unit representing gravitational force on one pound mass
- Dynes (dyn): CGS system unit, rarely used today but historically important
- Kilograms-force (kgf): Gravitational metric unit, still used in specific applications
- Poundals (pdl): FPS system unit, equal to force needed to accelerate 1 lb at 1 ft/s²
- Kips (kip): US customary unit equal to 1,000 pounds-force
Practical Applications
Force conversions are essential in many fields. Engineers use kilonewtons for structural loads, physicists work with newtons for fundamental calculations, and mechanical systems often specify forces in pounds-force. Our converter makes it easy to work across these different unit systems.
Common Use Cases:
- • Structural engineering: Converting building loads between kN and lbf
- • Mechanical engineering: Converting bolt tension from kgf to N
- • Physics education: Converting textbook problems between unit systems
- • Automotive: Converting engine force specifications
- • Aerospace: Converting thrust measurements between different units
Sources & References
- International System of Units (SI) - Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM)Official definition of the newton and other SI units
- NIST Guide for the Use of the International System of Units - National Institute of Standards and TechnologyComprehensive reference for unit conversions and definitions
- Khan Academy - Force and Newton's LawsEducational resources for understanding force concepts
Need help with other conversions? Check out our pressure converter and weight converter.
Get Custom Calculator for Your PlatformForce Converter Examples
Input:
- Force: 500 newtons (N)
- Conversion factor: 1 N = 0.2248089431 lbf
Results:
- Pounds-force: 500 × 0.2248089431 = 112.40 lbf
- Kilonewtons: 500 ÷ 1000 = 0.5 kN
- Kilograms-force: 500 ÷ 9.80665 = 50.99 kgf
- Dynes: 500 × 100,000 = 50,000,000 dyn
Result: 500 newtons equals 112.40 pounds-force
This conversion is commonly used in engineering when working with US specifications that use pounds-force.
Kilonewtons to Newtons
2.5 kN = ?
2.5 kN = 2,500 N
Pounds-force to Kilograms-force
100 lbf = ?
100 lbf ≈ 45.36 kgf
Frequently Asked Questions
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