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Multiple conversions
To convert from Newton (N) to Kilonewton (kN), use the following formula:
Kilonewton (kN)
= 11000× Newton (N)
= 0.001× Newton (N)
To convert force from newtons (N) to pound-force (lbf), divide by 4.44822.
The factor is exact rather than measured: the pound-force is defined as the weight of one avoirdupois pound under standard gravity, and both the pound and standard gravity have exact SI definitions.
A load cell reads 500 N. Converting to pound-force for a US specification sheet:
It is the everyday bridge between metric and US mechanical work. European component datasheets publish spring rates, actuator ratings and clamp loads in newtons; US assembly drawings and test reports want pound-force. Anyone integrating parts from both markets converts in this direction constantly.
| Newtons | Pound-force |
|---|---|
| 1 N | 0.2248 lbf |
| 10 N | 2.248 lbf |
| 100 N | 22.48 lbf |
| 1,000 N | 224.8 lbf |
A useful mental shortcut: divide by 4.5 gets you within 1% — close enough to sanity-check a calculation before trusting it.
To convert from Newton (N) to Kilogram-force (kgf), use the following formula:
Kilogram-force (kgf)
= 19.807× Newton (N)
= 0.10196798205363515856× Newton (N)
A newton (N) is the SI unit of force. One newton is the force needed to accelerate a mass of one kilogram at one metre per second squared.
Written as a formula, that is 1 N = 1 kg·m/s².
A newton is a small amount of force in everyday terms. Holding a medium apple in your palm against gravity takes roughly 1 N. Lifting a 1 kg bag of sugar takes about 9.81 N, because gravity pulls on every kilogram with about 9.81 newtons of weight at the Earth's surface.
That last number is the reason force and mass are so easily confused. A kilogram is how much matter an object contains; a newton is how hard something pushes or pulls. The same 1 kg bag weighs about 9.81 N on Earth but only about 1.6 N on the Moon, while its mass never changes.
The unit honours Sir Isaac Newton and his second law of motion, F = ma. The name was adopted by the General Conference on Weights and Measures in 1948.
Note the capitalisation convention: the unit symbol is a capital N, but the unit name is written in lower case — newton, not Newton — as with all SI units named after people.
| Force | Approximate equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 N | weight of a medium apple |
| 10 N | weight of a 1 kg object |
| 1,000 N (1 kN) | weight of a 102 kg object |
| 4.44822 N | 1 pound-force |