Piconewton is 1e-12 newton units.
Piconewtons to Newtons Converter — pN to N
Convert Piconewton (pN) to Newton (N) using the exact conversion factor (1 piconewton = 1e-12 newton). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Piconewtons to Newtons 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.
The newton is the SI unit of force.
Result = input x 1e-12 / 1.
Force uses the newton as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Piconewtons to Newtons
Piconewton and Newton 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 the newton is the SI unit of force.
Formula
newtons = piconewtons × 1e-12
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 piconewton equals 1e-12 base units, and 1 newton equals 1 base unit, so dividing one by the other gives the direct piconewton-to-newton factor of 1e-12.
Simple example
1 pN × 1e-12 = 1e-12 N
1 piconewton = 1e-12 newtons.
Real-world example
10 pN × 1e-12 = 1e-11 N
10 piconewtons = 1e-11 newtons.
Conversion table
| Piconewton (pN) | Newton (N) |
|---|---|
| 1 pN | 1e-12 N |
| 5 pN | 5e-12 N |
| 10 pN | 1e-11 N |
| 50 pN | 5e-11 N |
| 100 pN | 1e-10 N |
| 1,000 pN | 1e-9 N |
Reverse conversion: Newton to Piconewton
1e-12 N × 1e+12 = 1 pN
1e-12 newtons = 1 piconewton.
piconewtons = newtons × 1e+12
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Newton to Piconewton.
Understanding the Piconewton (pN)
Piconewton is 1e-12 newton units.
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.
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 newtons are in 1 piconewton?
1 piconewton equals 1e-12 newtons, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert piconewton to newton?
Multiply the piconewton value by 1e-12. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert newton back to piconewton?
Use the reverse factor: 1 newton equals 1e+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 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.
Is the piconewton to newton conversion exact?
Yes. Both piconewton and newton are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 1e-12 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.