Force Conversion: 1 kN = 101.9716 kgf | Based on standard gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m/s²)

Kilonewton to Kilogram-force Converter

Accurate conversion between Kilonewton (kN) and Kilogram-force (kgf) for engineering, physics, and industrial applications. Built with standard gravitational constant for precision.

1 kN = 101.9716 kgf | Default: 2 decimal places

Conversion Factor

1 kN = 101.9716 kgf | 1 kgf = 0.00980665 kN

kN
kgf

Precision: 2 Decimal Places | Formula: kgf = kN × 101.9716

Common Force Measurements

Kilonewton and Kilogram-force

Understanding these essential force units for engineering, physics, and industrial applications.

The Conversion Formula

Kilonewton to Kilogram-force Conversion

1 kN = 101.9716 kgf
1 kgf = 0.00980665 kN
kgf = kN × (1000 / 9.80665)
kN = kgf × 0.00980665

Example Calculation 1:

Convert 5 kN to kgf:

kgf = kN × 101.9716

kgf = 5 × 101.9716

kgf = 509.858 (with 3 decimal places)

Example Calculation 2:

Convert 200 kgf to kN:

kN = kgf × 0.00980665

kN = 200 × 0.00980665

kN = 1.96133 (with 5 decimal places)

Note: Conversion based on standard gravitational acceleration (g = 9.80665 m/s²)

When to Use This Conversion:

  • Structural engineering (load bearing capacity calculations)
  • Mechanical design (force measurement for machines and tools)
  • Physics experiments (force and mass relationship analysis)
  • Industrial manufacturing (equipment load rating conversions)
  • Civil engineering (bridge and building load calculations)
  • Aerospace and automotive industries (force testing and validation)

About the Units

Kilonewton (kN)

A unit of force in the International System of Units (SI), where 1 kilonewton equals 1000 newtons. It is widely used in engineering for measuring large forces.

Equivalents:

  • 1 kN = 1000 N (newtons)
  • 1 kN = 101.9716 kgf (kilogram-force)
  • 1 kN ≈ 224.809 lbf (pound-force)
  • 1 kN = 100,000 dynes
  • 10 kN = 1.019716 ton-force (metric)

Note: SI unit of force, preferred in scientific and international engineering applications

Kilogram-force (kgf)

A non-SI unit of force defined as the force exerted by 1 kilogram of mass under standard gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m/s²). Also known as kilopond (kp).

Equivalents:

  • 1 kgf = 9.80665 N (newtons)
  • 1 kgf = 0.00980665 kN (kilonewton)
  • 1 kgf ≈ 2.20462 lbf (pound-force)
  • 1 kgf = 980,665 dynes
  • 1000 kgf = 1 ton-force (metric)

Note: Commonly used in traditional engineering, especially in civil and mechanical fields

Common Force Unit Equivalents:

Kilonewton (kN) Kilogram-force (kgf) Newton (N) Pound-force (lbf) Ton-force (metric)
1 kN 101.9716 kgf 1000 N 224.809 lbf 0.10197 t
5 kN 509.858 kgf 5000 N 1124.045 lbf 0.50986 t
10 kN 1019.716 kgf 10000 N 2248.09 lbf 1.01972 t
0.00980665 kN 1 kgf 9.80665 N 2.20462 lbf 0.001 t
0.444822 kN 45.3592 kgf 444.822 N 100 lbf 0.045359 t
9.80665 kN 1000 kgf 9806.65 N 2204.62 lbf 1 t

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Kilonewton, Kilogram-force, and force unit conversions.

There are exactly 101.9716 Kilogram-force (kgf) in 1 Kilonewton (kN). This conversion is derived from the standard gravitational acceleration constant (g = 9.80665 m/s²) and Newton's second law of motion (F = m × g).

1 kN = 1000 N (since 1 kilonewton = 1000 newtons)

1 kgf = 9.80665 N (force of 1 kg mass under standard gravity)

1 kN = 1000 / 9.80665 ≈ 101.9716 kgf

This conversion factor is fixed and widely used in engineering and physics applications for accurate force unit translations.

The key differences between Kilonewton (kN) and Kilogram-force (kgf) lie in their classification, definition, and usage:

Kilonewton (kN)
  • SI (International System) unit of force
  • Defined as 1000 newtons (1 kN = 1000 N)
  • Based on fundamental physical constants
  • Widely used in international science/engineering
  • Independent of gravitational acceleration
Kilogram-force (kgf)
  • Non-SI, traditional unit of force
  • Defined by gravitational pull (1 kg mass × 9.80665 m/s²)
  • Depends on Earth's standard gravitational acceleration
  • Common in regional engineering (civil/mechanical)
  • Also known as kilopond (kp) in some regions

While both measure force, kN is the preferred unit for global and scientific applications, while kgf is still used in some traditional engineering practices.

The conversion factor 101.9716 is derived from the mathematical relationship between newtons (the base SI unit of force) and kilogram-force, combined with the kilonewton's definition:

  1. Step 1: 1 Kilonewton (kN) = 1000 Newtons (N) (prefix "kilo" means 1000)
  2. Step 2: 1 Kilogram-force (kgf) = 1 kg × 9.80665 m/s² = 9.80665 N (Newton's second law, F=ma)
  3. Step 3: To convert kN to kgf, divide the number of newtons in 1 kN by the number of newtons in 1 kgf: 1000 / 9.80665 ≈ 101.9716

Conversion Factor = 1000 (N/kN) / 9.80665 (N/kgf) ≈ 101.9716 (kgf/kN)

This factor is constant because it is based on the internationally agreed-upon standard gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m/s²).

Kilonewton (kN) and Kilogram-force (kgf) are both widely used in engineering and industrial fields, with slight differences in their primary applications:

Kilonewton (kN) Applications
  • Structural engineering (bridge/ building load ratings)
  • Aerospace industry (thrust and load measurements)
  • Automotive engineering (crash test forces)
  • International construction projects
  • Scientific research and lab experiments
  • Heavy machinery load capacity specifications
Kilogram-force (kgf) Applications
  • Traditional civil engineering (local construction)
  • Mechanical engineering (torque and pressure measurements)
  • Manufacturing (equipment load testing)
  • Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
  • Material science (tensile strength testing)
  • Regional industrial standards (e.g., some Asian/European countries)

Many modern industries now adopt kN (SI unit) for global compatibility, but kgf remains prevalent in legacy systems and regional practices.

You can use approximate conversion factors for quick, non-critical calculations, but precision matters for engineering and scientific applications:

  • Approximate factors:
    • 1 kN ≈ 102 kgf (simplified for quick estimates)
    • 1 kgf ≈ 9.81 N (0.00981 kN) for rough calculations
  • Precise factors (recommended for critical use):
    • 1 kN = 101.9716213 kgf (exact value)
    • 1 kgf = 0.00980665 kN (exact value)
  • When to use precise vs approximate:
    • Use precise factors for structural design, safety calculations, and scientific experiments
    • Use approximate factors for quick estimates, brainstorming, and non-safety-critical tasks

This converter uses the exact conversion factor to ensure accuracy for engineering and professional applications.

Conversion Table: Kilonewton to Kilogram-force

Common force measurements for engineering, physics, and industrial applications.

Kilonewton (kN) Kilogram-force (kgf) Newton (N) Pound-force (lbf) Common Uses
0.1 kN 10.197 kgf 100 N 22.481 lbf Small machine loads, light forces
0.5 kN 50.986 kgf 500 N 112.404 lbf Medium tool forces, component testing
1 kN 101.972 kgf 1000 N 224.809 lbf Standard structural load, small crane capacity
5 kN 509.858 kgf 5000 N 1124.045 lbf Bridge deck loads, heavy machinery components
10 kN 1019.716 kgf 10000 N 2248.09 lbf Building column loads, medium crane capacity
20 kN 2039.432 kgf 20000 N 4496.18 lbf Heavy structural loads, large machine thrust
50 kN 5098.581 kgf 50000 N 11240.45 lbf Bridge abutment loads, industrial crane capacity
100 kN 10197.162 kgf 100000 N 22480.9 lbf High-rise building loads, heavy-duty industrial equipment
500 kN 50985.811 kgf 500000 N 112404.5 lbf Large bridge loads, commercial construction cranes

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