Force Converter
Convert force units: N, kN, lbf, kgf, and more
Result
0.001
1 Newtons (N) = 0.001 Kilonewtons (kN)
What force measures
Force is what changes a body's motion or shape. The SI unit is the newton (N): the force that gives a 1 kg mass an acceleration of 1 m/s2.
Main units and where they are used
- Newton (N) and kilonewton (kN) – engineering, construction and physics.
- Kilogram-force (kgf, 9.80665 N) – older technical documents and some wrench or clamp specifications.
- Pound-force (lbf, 4.44822 N) – US engineering.
- Dyne (dyn, 0.00001 N) – the old CGS system.
Common pitfalls
The biggest confusion is between the kilogram (mass) and the kilogram-force. A body with a mass of 1 kg is pulled towards the Earth's surface by about 9.81 N. So the weight of a 70 kg person in the physical sense is about 686 N (70 x 9.80665). Another mistake is mixing N and kN: a kN is 1000 N. Also note whether a pound means mass (lb) or force (lbf).