Piconewton is 1e-12 newton units.
Piconewtons to Kilogram-forces Converter — pN to kgf
Convert Piconewton (pN) to Kilogram-force (kgf) using the exact conversion factor (1 piconewton = 1.019716e-13 kilogram-force). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, and common uses.
Piconewtons to Kilogram-forces converter
Converter
Force Converter
Convert newtons, dynes, pound-force, kilogram-force, kips, and ounce-force.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Kilogram-force under standard gravity.
Result = input x 1e-12 / 9.80665.
Force uses the newton as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Piconewtons to Kilogram-forces
Piconewton and Kilogram-force both measure force, and the conversion matters whenever an SI-trained engineer needs to compare notes with a US-trained one, or vice versa. Specifically: Piconewton is 1e-12 newton units, and kilogram-force under standard gravity.
Formula
kilogram-forces = piconewtons × 1.019716e-13
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 piconewton equals 1e-12 base units, and 1 kilogram-force equals 9.80665 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct piconewton-to-kilogram-force factor of 1.019716e-13.
Simple example
1 pN × 1.019716e-13 = 1.019716e-13 kgf
1 piconewton = 1.019716e-13 kilogram-forces.
Real-world example
10 pN × 1.019716e-13 = 1.019716e-12 kgf
10 piconewtons = 1.019716e-12 kilogram-forces.
Conversion table
| Piconewton (pN) | Kilogram-force (kgf) |
|---|---|
| 1 pN | 1.019716e-13 kgf |
| 5 pN | 5.098581e-13 kgf |
| 10 pN | 1.019716e-12 kgf |
| 50 pN | 5.098581e-12 kgf |
| 100 pN | 1.019716e-11 kgf |
| 1,000 pN | 1.019716e-10 kgf |
Reverse conversion: Kilogram-force to Piconewton
1.019716e-13 kgf × 9.80665e+12 = 0.9999997911 pN
1.019716e-13 kilogram-forces = 0.9999997911 piconewtons.
piconewtons = kilogram-forces × 9.80665e+12
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Kilogram-force to Piconewton.
Understanding the Piconewton (pN)
Piconewton is 1e-12 newton units.
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
Kilogram-force — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Notes kilogram-force among non-SI force units whose use is discouraged in favor of the newton.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many kilogram-forces are in 1 piconewton?
1 piconewton equals 1.019716e-13 kilogram-forces, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert piconewton to kilogram-force?
Multiply the piconewton value by 1.019716e-13. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert kilogram-force back to piconewton?
Use the reverse factor: 1 kilogram-force equals 9.80665e+12 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 force.
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.
Is the piconewton to kilogram-force 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.
What is the difference between 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.