How many newtons are in 1 kilogram-force?

1 kilogram-force equals 9.80665 newtons, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.

How do I convert kilogram-force to newton?

Multiply the kilogram-force value by 9.80665. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.

How do I convert newton back to kilogram-force?

Use the reverse factor: 1 newton equals 0.1019716213 kilogram-forces. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.

Is the kilogram-force to newton conversion exact?

Yes. Defined as the force exerted by standard gravity on a mass of one kilogram — exactly 9.80665 newtons. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.

Kilogram-forces to Newtons Converter

Q: What is a kilogram-force?

Kilogram-force (kgf) measures force. Defined as the force exerted by standard gravity on a mass of one kilogram — exactly 9.80665 newtons. It is classified as a non-SI unit, deprecated but still encountered.

Q: What is a newton?

Newton (N) measures force. The newton is the SI derived unit of force: the force needed to accelerate a 1 kg mass at 1 meter per second squared. It is classified as a SI derived unit.

About Converting Kilogram-forces to Newtons

Kilogram-force and Newton both measure a quantity used in structural or mechanical engineering — commonly stress, pressure, force, torque, power, or energy — where converting between the unit conventions used in different regions, industries, or equipment specifications is a routine part of design work. Kilogram-force is typically associated with still encountered in some older European and Asian engineering specifications and torque-related equipment, though official use has been phased out in favor of the newton, while Newton is typically associated with standard scientific and engineering force unit worldwide.

Formula

newtons = kilogram-forces × 9.80665

This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 kilogram-force equals 9.80665 base units, and 1 newton equals 1 base unit, so dividing one by the other gives the direct kilogram-force-to-newton factor of 9.80665.

Simple example

1 kgf × 9.80665 = 9.80665 N

1 kilogram-force = 9.80665 newtons.

Real-world example

100 kgf × 9.80665 = 980.665 N

100 kilogram-forces = 980.665 newtons.

Conversion table

Kilogram-force (kgf)	Newton (N)
1 kgf	9.80665 N
10 kgf	98.0665 N
50 kgf	490.3325 N
100 kgf	980.665 N
500 kgf	4,903.325 N
1,000 kgf	9,806.65 N

Reverse conversion: Newton to Kilogram-force

9.80665 N × 0.1019716213 = 1 kgf

9.80665 newtons = 1 kilogram-force.

kilogram-forces = newtons × 0.101971621298

For a page dedicated to this direction, see Newton to Kilogram-force.

Kilogram-force vs. Newton

Aspect	Kilogram-force	Newton
Family	non-SI unit, deprecated but still encountered	SI derived unit
Typical use	Appears on some older or legacy engineering and mechanical specifications, particularly torque wrenches and spring-force ratings, predating wider adoption of the newton	Physics and engineering force calculations
Where it's used	Still encountered in some older European and Asian engineering specifications and torque-related equipment, though official use has been phased out in favor of the newton	Standard scientific and engineering force unit worldwide

Understanding the Kilogram-force

Kilogram-force (kgf) measures force. Defined as the force exerted by standard gravity on a mass of one kilogram — exactly 9.80665 newtons. It is classified as a non-SI unit, deprecated but still encountered.

Where it's used: Still encountered in some older European and Asian engineering specifications and torque-related equipment, though official use has been phased out in favor of the newton

Kilogram-force vs. newton. The newton is the modern SI unit of force; kilogram-force is an older, gravity-dependent unit still occasionally seen on legacy equipment. 1 kgf equals exactly 9.80665 N.

Uses of the Kilogram-force today

Appears on some older or legacy engineering and mechanical specifications, particularly torque wrenches and spring-force ratings, predating wider adoption of the newton

Understanding the Newton

Newton (N) measures force. The newton is the SI derived unit of force: the force needed to accelerate a 1 kg mass at 1 meter per second squared. It is classified as a SI derived unit.

Where it's used: Standard scientific and engineering force unit worldwide

Uses of the Newton today

Physics and engineering force calculations
Material strength and structural engineering specifications
Product specifications (e.g. spring force, adhesive strength)

History of the Newton

The newton is named after Isaac Newton in recognition of his laws of motion, which define the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration that the unit embodies. It was formally adopted as the SI derived unit of force as part of the broader 20th-century SI system.

Historical origin. Newton was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.

Kilogram-force — sources

BIPM SI Brochure — Notes kilogram-force among non-SI force units whose use is discouraged in favor of the newton.

Newton — sources

BIPM SI Brochure — Coherent derived units — Defines the newton as the SI unit of force.

Kilogram-forces to Newtons Converter — kgf to N

Engineering Converter