How many kilonewtons is 1 kilogram-force?

1 kilogram-force (kgf) equals exactly 0.00980665 kilonewtons (kN). This is because 1 kgf = 9.80665 N and 1 kN = 1000 N, so 1 kgf = 9.80665 / 1000 kN.

What is the difference between kilogram-force and kilogram?

Kilogram (kg) is a unit of mass, while kilogram-force (kgf) is a unit of force. One kgf is the gravitational force exerted on a 1 kg mass under standard gravity (9.80665 m/s²). They are numerically equal only when used loosely in everyday language on Earth's surface.

How do I convert kgf to newtons?

Multiply the kgf value by 9.80665. For example, 10 kgf = 10 × 9.80665 = 98.0665 N. The factor 9.80665 is the standard acceleration of gravity defined by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures.

How do I convert kgf to pound-force (lbf)?

Multiply the kgf value by 2.20462262. For example, 5 kgf = 5 × 2.20462262 ≈ 11.023 lbf. Alternatively, convert kgf to newtons first, then multiply by 0.224808943.

Is kilogram-force an SI unit?

No. Kilogram-force (kgf) is part of the gravitational metric system, not the International System of Units (SI). The SI unit of force is the newton (N). However, kgf remains widely used in engineering, manufacturing, and everyday contexts, especially in countries that transitioned from the metric gravitational system.

How many kgf is 1 kN?

1 kilonewton (kN) equals approximately 101.9716 kilogram-force (kgf). This is calculated as 1000 N ÷ 9.80665 N/kgf ≈ 101.9716 kgf.

Kilogram-force to Kilonewtons Converter

Name: Kilogram-force to Kilonewtons Converter
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter a kilogram-force value to instantly get kilonewtons, newtons, pound-force, and dyne equivalents.

Force Converter

Kilogram-force (kgf)

Quick presets

Result in Force Units

Enter a kilogram-force value on the left to see results.

Common Force Reference

Force / Context	kgf	kN	lbf

Copied to clipboard

Summary

Enter a kilogram-force value to instantly get kilonewtons, newtons, pound-force, and dyne equivalents.

How it works

Enter a kilogram-force (kgf) value in the input field.
The tool multiplies the kgf value by 9.80665 to get newtons (N).
Kilonewtons are calculated by dividing newtons by 1000 (1 kN = 1000 N).
Pound-force is obtained by multiplying newtons by 0.224808943.
Dyne is obtained by multiplying newtons by 100000.
Switch to the kN to kgf tab to run the reverse conversion.
Click any row in the reference table to load that force into the converter.

Use cases

Convert structural load specifications from kgf to kN for engineering reports.
Translate tensile strength values between SI and gravitational metric units.
Convert bolt torque and clamping force specs listed in different unit systems.
Check force ratings on lifting equipment listed in kgf against kN-based safety standards.
Convert spring constants and load cell readings between force unit systems.
Verify civil engineering load calculations when switching between metric systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-09 · Reviewed by Nham Vu