The newton is the SI unit of force.
Newtons to Centinewtons Converter — N to cN
Convert Newton (N) to Centinewton (cN) using the exact conversion factor (1 newton = 100 centinewton). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Newtons to Centinewtons converter
Converter
Engineering Converter
Convert common stress, force, torque, power, and energy units used in engineering.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Centinewton is 0.01 newton units.
Result = input x 1 / 0.01.
Force units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Newtons to Centinewtons
Newton and Centinewton 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. Newton is most often used for physics and engineering force calculations.
Formula
centinewtons = newtons × 100
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 newton equals 1 base unit, and 1 centinewton equals 0.01 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct newton-to-centinewton factor of 100.
Simple example
1 N × 100 = 100 cN
1 newton = 100 centinewtons.
Real-world example
100 N × 100 = 10,000 cN
100 newtons = 10,000 centinewtons.
Conversion table
| Newton (N) | Centinewton (cN) |
|---|---|
| 1 N | 100 cN |
| 10 N | 1,000 cN |
| 50 N | 5,000 cN |
| 100 N | 10,000 cN |
| 500 N | 50,000 cN |
| 1,000 N | 100,000 cN |
Reverse conversion: Centinewton to Newton
100 cN × 0.01 = 1 N
100 centinewtons = 1 newton.
newtons = centinewtons × 0.01
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Centinewton to 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.
Understanding the Centinewton (cN)
Centinewton is 0.01 newton units.
Newton — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Coherent derived units — Defines the newton as the SI unit of force.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many centinewtons are in 1 newton?
1 newton equals 100 centinewtons, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert newton to centinewton?
Multiply the newton value by 100. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert centinewton back to newton?
Use the reverse factor: 1 centinewton equals 0.01 newtons. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
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.
What is a centinewton?
Centinewton (cN) is a unit of engineering.
Is the newton to centinewton conversion exact?
Yes. Both newton and centinewton are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 100 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.
Where is the newton still used today?
Standard scientific and engineering force unit worldwide
Why do engineering unit conventions vary so much by region and industry?
Pressure, force, and stress can be expressed in metric (pascal, newton), US customary (psi, pound-force), or older and industry-specific units (atmosphere, torr, kip) depending on the country, industry, and even the equipment manufacturer, which is why engineers routinely need to convert between them when working across specs from different sources.