Kilograms-force to Newtons Converter

To convert a measurement in kilograms-force to newtons, multiply the value by 9.80665. The conversion factor comes from the relationship between both units and the newton.

For example, to convert 5 kgf to newtons: 5 × 9.80665 = 49.03325 N.

A kilogram-force is the force exerted by gravity on a mass of one kilogram under standard gravity, equal to exactly 9.80665 newtons. The kilogram-force (also called the kilopond) was common in older metric engineering before the SI newton became standard. It is still encountered in tire pressure, thrust, and legacy technical documents.

Common uses of kilograms-force include: Legacy metric engineering documentation; Thrust ratings expressed in kgf (aviation); Spring and load-cell calibration; Everyday 'weight as force' descriptions.

A newton is the SI derived unit of force, defined as the force needed to accelerate a mass of one kilogram at one meter per second squared (1 N = 1 kg·m/s²). Named after Sir Isaac Newton in recognition of his work on classical mechanics, the unit was adopted by the General Conference on Weights and Measures in 1948 and formally added to the SI system in 1960.

Common uses of newtons include: Physics and engineering force calculations; Structural load and tension analysis; Thrust ratings for small motors and actuators; Material testing (tensile and compressive strength).

Older metric documents, tire data, and aviation thrust figures are often given in kilograms-force. Converting to newtons brings these legacy values into modern SI calculations, where 1 kgf equals exactly 9.80665 N.

Here are some common values converted:

1 kgf = 9.80665 N 5 kgf = 49.03325 N 10 kgf = 98.0665 N 50 kgf = 490.3325 N 100 kgf = 980.665 N