Convert Torque from Kilogram-centimeters to Centinewton-meters (kg-cm to cNm)

Kilogram-centimeter to Centinewton-meter Conversion Formula

Example

Let's convert 5 Kilogram-centimeter (kg-cm) to Centinewton-meter (cNm).

Using the formula:

Therefore, 5 Kilogram-centimeter (kg-cm) is equal to 49.033249998938675 Centinewton-meter (cNm).

How many kilogram-centimeters are in one centinewton-meter? One Centinewton-meter (cNm) contains 0.10197162130000000063 Kilogram-centimeters (kg-cm) — the inverse of the factor above. Multiplying by 9.806649999787735 takes you from kilogram-centimeters to centinewton-meters; multiplying by 0.10197162130000000063 brings you back.

Put in words: one kilogram-centimeter equals 9.806649999787735 centinewton-meters, so the kilogram-centimeter is the larger unit of this pair. Converting between them never changes the amount of torque being measured — only the size of the unit you count it in.

What Is a Kilogram-centimeter (kgf·cm)?

A kilogram-centimeter (kgf·cm) is one kilogram-force acting at one centimetre from the axis. It is one hundredth of a kilogram-meter.

• 1 kgf·cm = 0.0980665 N·m
• 1 kgf·m = 100 kgf·cm

The Hobby Servo Unit

If you have ever bought a hobby servo, you have seen this unit. Servo torque is published almost universally in kgf·cm — a common 9 g micro servo is rated around 1.8 kgf·cm, a standard-size servo around 10–20 kgf·cm.

The rating tells you how much weight the servo can hold at a given arm length: 10 kgf·cm means it can just support 10 kg at 1 cm from the shaft, or 1 kg at 10 cm, or 0.5 kg at 20 cm. Doubling the arm halves the load it can hold.

Where Kilogram-centimeter Is Used

• RC servos and hobby robotics — the dominant unit in datasheets and marketplaces.
• Small gearmotors sold through electronics suppliers.
• Legacy metric torque specifications for small fasteners.
• Tyre valve and small assembly torque figures on older equipment.

Converting Kilogram-centimeter

What Is a Centinewton-meter (cN·m)?

A centinewton-meter (cN·m) is one hundredth of a newton-meter — a metric SI-prefixed unit for very small torques.

• 1 cN·m = 0.01 N·m
• 1 N·m = 100 cN·m

Why Such a Small Unit

Some torques are genuinely tiny. A spectacle hinge screw, a watch case back or a miniature connector may need a fraction of a newton-meter. Writing 8 cN·m is clearer and safer on a specification than 0.08 N·m, where a missing zero changes the value tenfold.

Because centi is a plain SI prefix, the conversion is exact and involves no measurement standard — just a shift of the decimal point.

Where Centinewton-meters Are Used

• Precision instruments and optics — small retaining screws.
• Electronics assembly — miniature terminal screws and board standoffs.
• Watchmaking and eyewear.
• Torque screwdriver ratings in the sub-newton-meter range.

Converting Centinewton-meter

Kilogram-centimeter to Centinewton-meter Conversion Table

Here are some quick reference conversions from Kilogram-centimeter (kg-cm) to Centinewton-meter (cNm):