How many dynes are in one newton?

Exactly 100,000 dynes (1 × 10⁵ dyn). This is an exact conversion because both units are defined from base SI/CGS units: 1 N = 1 kg·m/s², 1 dyn = 1 g·cm/s², and 1 kg = 1000 g, 1 m = 100 cm, giving 1 N = 1000 × 100 dyn = 100,000 dyn.

A dyne (dyn) is the CGS (centimeter-gram-second) unit of force. It is defined as the force needed to accelerate a mass of 1 gram at 1 cm/s². The dyne is much smaller than a newton — it takes 100,000 dynes to equal just 1 newton.

When would I use dynes instead of newtons?

Dynes appear in older scientific literature, some fields of physics (especially surface tension, measured in dyn/cm), and CGS-based engineering references. Modern science generally uses newtons (SI), but CGS units still appear in fields like electromagnetism (Gaussian units) and materials science.

Is the conversion exact or approximate?

Exact. 1 newton = 100,000 dynes with no rounding or approximation. The conversion factor is 10⁵ precisely, derived from the definitions of the base units in both systems.

Can I convert dynes back to newtons?

Yes. To convert dynes to newtons, divide by 100,000 (or multiply by 0.00001). Use the swap button in the converter to reverse the direction.

Newtons to Dynes Converter

Enter a force in newtons and instantly get the equivalent value in dynes (1 N = 100,000 dyn).

Force Conversion

Newtons (N)

Dynes (dyn)

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Conversion Reference

Formula

dynes = newtons × 100,000

1 N = 10⁵ dyn (exact)

Common Values

Newtons (N)

Dynes (dyn)

0.0001

0.001

100

0.01

1,000

0.1

10,000

100,000

1,000,000

100

10,000,000

The dyne is part of the CGS (centimeter-gram-second) system. It equals the force needed to accelerate 1 gram at 1 cm/s². The newton (SI) equals 1 kg·m/s².

Summary

This converter transforms force values from newtons (SI unit) to dynes (CGS unit). The newton is the standard SI unit of force, while the dyne is used in the centimeter-gram-second system. One newton equals exactly 100,000 dynes, making the conversion straightforward multiplication.

How it works

Enter the force value in newtons in the input field.
The converter multiplies the value by 100,000 (the exact conversion factor).
The result in dynes appears instantly below.
Use the swap button to convert dynes back to newtons.
Copy the result with a single click.

Use cases

Physics students converting between SI and CGS unit systems.
Engineers working with legacy CGS-based formulas or references.
Scientific computing where CGS units are required.
Cross-checking force values between different measurement standards.
Educational demonstrations of unit system differences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-14 · Reviewed by Nham Vu