What's the difference between kilogram (kg) and kilogram-force (kgf)?

kg = mass unit. kgf = force unit (weight of 1 kg at sea level). 1 kg weighs ~9.81 N or 1 kgf.

Why do some scales use kgf?

Historical. Weight scales measure force (what gravity exerts). Old scales were calibrated in kgf or pounds-force (lbf).

How do I know if a spec uses kgf or N?

Check units. kgf or 'kp' = kilogram-force. N = newtons. Newer standards prefer newtons (SI).

A cable spec sheet shows breaking strength in newtons, but my safety rating is in kgf—how do I compare them?

Divide the newton value by 9.80665 to convert to kgf. Example: A cable rated 490 N ÷ 9.81 ≈ 50 kgf. Now directly comparable to your kgf-based equipment limits. See [newtons to kilogram-force]({/force/newtons-to-kgf/}) for the reverse.

Kilogram-Force (kgf) to Newtons Converter

Enter a value to instantly convert between force units.

From

Precision4 dp

1 Kilogram-Force = 9.8066 Newton

Key Formulas

Newton → Pound-Force

lbf = N × 0.224809

Pound-Force → Newton

N = lbf × 4.44822

Kilogram-Force → Newton

N = kgf × 9.80665

Newton → Kilogram-Force

kgf = N × 0.101972

Formula

N = kgf × 9.80665

Kilogram-force (kgf, sometimes kp) measures force as the weight of 1 kg under standard gravity. Newtons (N) are SI base force units. The conversion factor 9.80665 is standard gravity (g). Important: kgf is non-SI but still used in some engineering fields.

Source: NIST SP 811, Table B.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

One kilogram-force. 1 kgf ≈ 9.81 N. Weight of 1 kg at sea level.

1 kgf = 9.81 N

Ten kilograms-force. 10 kgf ≈ 98.1 N. Weight of 10 kg object.

10 kgf = 98.1 N

Scale weight. 50 kgf ≈ 490 N. Person weighing 50 kg.

50 kgf = 490.3 N

Heavy load. 100 kgf ≈ 981 N. Industrial equipment rating.

100 kgf = 980.7 N

newtons to lbf lbf to newtons newtons to kgf kn to newtons newtons to kn

Kilogram-Force (kgf) to Newtons Converter

Key Formulas

Formula

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

Related Converters