What is the difference between mass and force?

Mass is the amount of matter in an object (measured in kilograms), while force is a push or pull that acts on that mass (measured in newtons). Force = mass × acceleration (F = ma).

How many newtons is 1 pound-force?

1 pound-force equals approximately 4.448 newtons. This conversion is important when comparing imperial and metric force measurements.

Force Converter

Convert force measurements between newtons, pounds-force, dynes, and more.

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Popular Force Conversions

N to lbf lbf to N kN to N kgf to N

Complete List of Force Units for Conversion

1 Kilonewton [kN] = 1000.00 Newton [N]

Kilonewton to Newton, Newton to Kilonewton

1 Meganewton [MN] = 1.00000e+6 Newton [N]

Meganewton to Newton, Newton to Meganewton

1 Pound-Force [lbf] = 4.44822 Newton [N]

Pound-Force to Newton, Newton to Pound-Force

1 Kilogram-Force [kgf] = 9.80665 Newton [N]

Kilogram-Force to Newton, Newton to Kilogram-Force

1 Dyne [dyn] = 0.0000100000 Newton [N]

Dyne to Newton, Newton to Dyne

1 Poundal [pdl] = 0.138255 Newton [N]

Poundal to Newton, Newton to Poundal

1 Ton-Force [tonf] = 9806.65 Newton [N]

Ton-Force to Newton, Newton to Ton-Force

Understanding force units

The newton (N) is the SI unit of force, defined as the force needed to accelerate one kilogram at one meter per second squared (F = ma). Force is a push or pull that can change an object's motion or shape.

Common force relationships

1 kilonewton (kN) = 1,000 newtons
1 pound-force (lbf) ≈ 4.448222 newtons
1 dyne = 0.00001 newtons (10⁻⁵ N)
1 kilogram-force (kgf) ≈ 9.80665 newtons
1 ton-force ≈ 8,896.44 newtons

Force in physics and engineering

Newtons are used in physics and engineering calculations. Pounds-force are used in countries using imperial units. Dynes are an older CGS unit used in some historical scientific contexts. Kilogram-force and ton-force are used for heavy loads and structural engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between mass and force?: Mass is the amount of matter in an object (measured in kilograms), while force is a push or pull that acts on that mass (measured in newtons). Force = mass × acceleration (F = ma).
How many newtons is 1 pound-force?: 1 pound-force equals approximately 4.448 newtons. This conversion is important when comparing imperial and metric force measurements.

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Common Unit Systems