Piconewton is 1e-12 newton units.
Piconewtons to Giganewtons Converter — pN to GN
Convert Piconewton (pN) to Giganewton (GN) using the exact conversion factor (1 piconewton = 1e-21 giganewton). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Piconewtons to Giganewtons 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.
Giganewton is 1000000000 newton units.
Result = input x 1e-12 / 1e+9.
Force units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Piconewtons to Giganewtons
Piconewton and Giganewton 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. Specifically: Piconewton is 1e-12 newton units, and giganewton is 1000000000 newton units.
Formula
giganewtons = piconewtons × 1e-21
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 piconewton equals 1e-12 base units, and 1 giganewton equals 1000000000 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct piconewton-to-giganewton factor of 1e-21.
Simple example
1 pN × 1e-21 = 1e-21 GN
1 piconewton = 1e-21 giganewtons.
Real-world example
100 pN × 1e-21 = 1e-19 GN
100 piconewtons = 1e-19 giganewtons.
Conversion table
| Piconewton (pN) | Giganewton (GN) |
|---|---|
| 1 pN | 1e-21 GN |
| 10 pN | 1e-20 GN |
| 50 pN | 5e-20 GN |
| 100 pN | 1e-19 GN |
| 500 pN | 5e-19 GN |
| 1,000 pN | 1e-18 GN |
Reverse conversion: Giganewton to Piconewton
1e-21 GN × 1e+21 = 1 pN
1e-21 giganewtons = 1 piconewton.
piconewtons = giganewtons × 1e+21
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Giganewton to Piconewton.
Understanding the Piconewton (pN)
Piconewton is 1e-12 newton units.
Understanding the Giganewton (GN)
Giganewton is 1000000000 newton units.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many giganewtons are in 1 piconewton?
1 piconewton equals 1e-21 giganewtons, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert piconewton to giganewton?
Multiply the piconewton value by 1e-21. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert giganewton back to piconewton?
Use the reverse factor: 1 giganewton equals 1e+21 piconewtons. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a piconewton?
Piconewton (pN) is a unit of engineering.
What is a giganewton?
Giganewton (GN) is a unit of engineering.
Is the piconewton to giganewton conversion exact?
Yes. Both piconewton and giganewton are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 1e-21 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.
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.