šŖ Force Converter
A kilogram is mass, a pound-force is force. On Earth 1 kg weighs ~9.81 N. On the moon it would weigh 1/6 as much. This converter distinguishes mass from force properly.
Last updated ā conversions use exact ISO unit definitions.
How it works
All force conversions route through the newton (N), the SI unit. 1 N is the force needed to accelerate 1 kilogram at 1 m/sĀ². The pound-force (lbf or lbF) is the English unit ā 1 lbf ā 4.4482 N. Do not confuse lbf with lb (pound-mass): on Earth's surface, 1 lbf ā 1 lb of mass, but they are fundamentally different quantities.
The kilogram-force (kgf, also called kilopond, kp) is a metric unit still used informally: 1 kgf = 9.80665 N ā it's the weight of 1 kg under standard gravity. A 70 kg person exerts about 686 N (70.0 kgf, 154 lbf) on the ground.
Dynes are the CGS unit (1 dyn = 10ā»āµ N), mostly seen in physics textbooks now. Tons-force (tf) is sometimes used for heavy machinery: 1 tf = 9,806.65 N ā 2,205 lbf.
Mass vs force
Newton = SI unit of force. Pound-force = English unit of force. A 1 kg mass exerts 9.80665 N on Earth. US scales measure pounds-force but colloquially use it as mass. Physics: F = ma.
How accurate are these conversions?
All conversions use ISO 80000 standard unit definitions. For example, 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters exactly by international agreement.
Why can't I see all units on mobile?
The result table scrolls horizontally. The headline pair above shows the most commonly requested conversion.
Do you store my inputs?
No. All calculations happen in your browser. We collect zero personal data.
General information only ā see our disclaimer.