ConvertTools

Force Converter

Conveniently convert between units of force including newtons (N), pound-force (lbf), dynes, and kilogram-force (kgf). Ideal for physics, engineering, and mechanical equations.

Result

kN

We are constantly working to improve the accuracy of our converters. If you notice anything incorrect, please report it here.*

Formula

Conversion Formula 

1 N
1.000000 ÷ 1000 → 0.001000 kN
About

About Force

Force is a vector quantity that will speed up an object. It's mass multiplied by acceleration and is the pillar of mechanics and physics.

  • Newton (N) – The SI unit, 1 being defined as 1 kg·m/s².
  • Dyne (dyn) – Small CGS unit; 1 dyn = 1e-5 N.
  • Kilogram-force (kgf) – Force exerted by 1 kg mass in standard gravity.
  • Pound-force (lbf) – Used in the US; the force of gravity on a pound mass.
  • Ounce-force (ozf) – Smaller imperial unit of force.
  • Tonne-force (tf) – Used for heavy loads; 1 tf = 1000 kgf.
  • Atomic unit of force – Used in atomic and molecular physics (extremely small scale).
  • Poundal (pdl) – Obsolete non-SI unit from the FPS system, no longer popularly used today.
Units

Force Units

Force units are needed in physics and engineering to quantify the magnitude of force applied to an object. The most widely accepted unit of force is the Newton (N), which is an International System of Units (SI) unit that represents the amount of force required to accelerate a one-kilogram mass one meter per second squared.

Larger forces are most commonly stated in Kilonewtons (kN), which is equivalent to 1,000 Newtons. For smaller forces, the Dyne (dyn), one of the units within the centimeter-gram-second (CGS) system, is used, especially for scientific purposes and certain technical fields.

Force can also be quantified in gravitational force units such as Kilogram-force (kgf) and Gram-force (gf), where force is referred to with respect to the weight of a mass in usual gravity. The Tonne-force (tf) is also used for very large forces, the force being the one when a metric ton is placed under gravity.

The units of force in the US customary and Imperial systems are Pound-force (lbf) and Ounce-force (ozf), and they are widely utilized in mechanical engineering and general applications in those countries' use of the systems. Even greater units like UK ton-force (long tonf) and US ton-force (tonf) measure even greater force, which is used in heavy industry and structural engineering.

Specialized units such as the Atomic unit of force (a.u.) are used in atomic and molecular physics for the measurement of forces at extremely small scales. The Poundal (pdl), while less common but with historical use, is amongst the force units within the foot-pound-second system.

The understanding of such diverse units of force enables engineers, scientists, and technicians to accurately measure, compare, and apply forces in terms of diverse fields and industries.