Enter kilogram-force or newtons into the calculator to convert to the other value.
Kgf to N Formula
F(N) = F(kgf) × 9.80665
- F(N) — force in newtons
- F(kgf) — force in kilogram-force
- 9.80665 — standard gravity in m/s², the defined conversion constant
For the reverse direction, divide newtons by 9.80665 to get kgf. For the Mass to Weight mode, the calculator uses Newton’s second law:
W(N) = m(kg) × g(m/s²)
- W — weight (force) in newtons
- m — mass in kilograms
- g — local gravitational acceleration
One kilogram-force is defined as the weight of a 1 kg mass under standard gravity. It is not an SI unit but is still common in engineering specs from European and Asian manufacturers.
Reference Values
Quick conversions for common kgf values:
| kgf | Newtons (N) | Kilonewtons (kN) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9.80665 | 0.00981 |
| 5 | 49.0333 | 0.04903 |
| 10 | 98.0665 | 0.09807 |
| 25 | 245.166 | 0.24517 |
| 50 | 490.333 | 0.49033 |
| 100 | 980.665 | 0.98067 |
| 500 | 4903.33 | 4.90333 |
| 1000 | 9806.65 | 9.80665 |
Conversion factors between related force units:
| From | To Newtons |
|---|---|
| 1 kgf | 9.80665 N |
| 1 gf | 0.00980665 N |
| 1 lbf | 4.44822 N |
| 1 ozf | 0.27801 N |
| 1 kN | 1000 N |
Worked Examples
Example 1. A torque wrench is rated for 15 kgf·m. Convert the force component to newtons:
15 × 9.80665 = 147.10 N. So the rating is 147.10 N·m.
Example 2. A spec sheet lists a clamping force of 250 N. In kgf:
250 ÷ 9.80665 = 25.49 kgf.
Example 3. A 70 kg person on Earth weighs:
70 × 9.80665 = 686.47 N, or exactly 70 kgf by definition.
FAQ
Is kgf the same as kg? No. Kilogram (kg) is mass; kilogram-force (kgf) is the force that 1 kg exerts under standard gravity. They share the same number only on Earth.
Why 9.80665 and not 9.81? 9.80665 m/s² is the defined value of standard gravity. 9.81 is a rounded approximation accurate enough for most practical work.
Is kgf still used? It is non-SI but appears in older engineering documents, tire pressure specs, and equipment from manufacturers in Europe and Asia.
