I'm working with an older materials testing machine that only displays force in kgf, but my new sensors output newtons—how do I compare the specs?

Divide the newton value by 9.80665. Legacy equipment uses kgf; modern sensors use newtons. By converting to a common unit, you can directly compare force ratings and ensure your test setup won't exceed equipment limits.

How do I measure force if I only have a weight scale?

Place object on scale. Read weight in kg. Multiply by 9.81 (gravity) to get newtons. Or read kgf directly from some scales.

What does 'kp' mean on some specifications?

'kp' = killopond, another name for kilogram-force. Kp and kgf are equivalent units used interchangeably.

A lab instrument's force spec is in newtons, but my cable rating is in kgf—how do I make sure they're compatible?

Divide the newton value by 9.80665. Example: A testing machine exerts 500 N ÷ 9.81 ≈ 51 kgf. Compare that to your cable's kgf rating to ensure it won't break. For the reverse conversion, see [kilogram-force to newtons]({/force/kgf-to-newtons/}).

Newtons to Kilogram-Force (kgf) Converter

Enter a value to instantly convert between force units.

From

Precision4 dp

1 Newton = 0.102 Kilogram-Force

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

kgf = N ÷ 9.80665

Newtons (N) are the SI base force unit; kilogram-force (kgf) represent the weight of 1 kg at standard gravity. The conversion divides by 9.80665 (gravity). Note: kgf is deprecated in SI standards but remains in some engineering and industrial specs.

Source: NIST SP 811, Table B.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

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

9.81 N = 1 kgf

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

98.1 N = 10 kgf

Scale reading. 500 N ≈ 51 kgf. Typical bench-top scale range.

500 N = 51 kgf

Heavy load. 1,000 N ≈ 102 kgf. Industrial weight or tension spec.

1000 N = 102 kgf

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

Newtons to Kilogram-Force (kgf) Converter

Key Formulas

Formula

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

Related Converters