Torque from one kilogram-force at one meter.
Kilogram-force meters to Newton meters Converter — kgf m to N m
Convert Kilogram-force meter (kgf m) to Newton meter (N m) using the exact conversion factor (1 kilogram-force meter = 9.80665 newton meter). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, unit comparison, history, and common uses.
Kilogram-force meters to Newton meters converter
Converter
Torque Converter
Convert newton meters, pound-feet, pound-inches, ounce-inches, and kilogram-force meters.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Newton meter is the SI torque unit.
Result = input x 9.80665 / 1.
Torque uses the newton meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Kilogram-force meters to Newton meters
Kilogram-force meter and Newton meter both measure torque, and the conversion is essential for anyone using a torque wrench specified in one unit against a bolt or engine spec given in the other. Kilogram-force meter is typically associated with can be encountered in some older European and Japanese automotive and mechanical torque specifications, while Newton meter is typically associated with standard scientific and automotive torque unit worldwide except the US.
Formula
newton meters = kilogram-force meters × 9.80665
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 kilogram-force meter equals 9.80665 base units, and 1 newton meter equals 1 base unit, so dividing one by the other gives the direct kilogram-force meter-to-newton meter factor of 9.80665.
Simple example
1 kgf m × 9.80665 = 9.80665 N m
1 kilogram-force meter = 9.80665 newton meters.
Real-world example
10 kgf m × 9.80665 = 98.0665 N m
10 kilogram-force meters = 98.0665 newton meters.
Conversion table
| Kilogram-force meter (kgf m) | Newton meter (N m) |
|---|---|
| 1 kgf m | 9.80665 N m |
| 5 kgf m | 49.03325 N m |
| 10 kgf m | 98.0665 N m |
| 50 kgf m | 490.3325 N m |
| 100 kgf m | 980.665 N m |
| 500 kgf m | 4,903.325 N m |
Reverse conversion: Newton meter to Kilogram-force meter
9.80665 N m × 0.1019716213 = 1 kgf m
9.80665 newton meters = 1 kilogram-force meter.
kilogram-force meters = newton meters × 0.101971621298
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Newton meter to Kilogram-force meter.
Kilogram-force meter vs. Newton meter
| Aspect | Kilogram-force meter | Newton meter |
|---|---|---|
| Family | non-SI unit, deprecated but still encountered | SI derived unit |
| Typical use | Appears on some legacy torque specifications and equipment predating wider adoption of the newton-meter | Torque wrench specifications (bolt tightening) outside the US |
| Where it's used | Can be encountered in some older European and Japanese automotive and mechanical torque specifications | Standard scientific and automotive torque unit worldwide except the US |
Understanding the Kilogram-force meter
Kilogram-force meter (kgf m) measures torque. The torque produced by one kilogram-force acting at a perpendicular distance of one meter. It is classified as a non-SI unit, deprecated but still encountered.
Where it's used: Can be encountered in some older European and Japanese automotive and mechanical torque specifications
kgf·m vs. N·m. The newton-meter is the modern SI torque unit; kilogram-force meter is the older, gravity-dependent equivalent still occasionally seen on legacy specifications. 1 kgf·m equals exactly 9.80665 N·m.
Uses of the Kilogram-force meter today
- Appears on some legacy torque specifications and equipment predating wider adoption of the newton-meter
Understanding the Newton meter
Newton meter (N m) measures torque. The newton-meter is the SI derived unit of torque: one newton of force applied at one meter of leverage. It is classified as a SI derived unit.
Where it's used: Standard scientific and automotive torque unit worldwide except the US
Uses of the Newton meter today
- Torque wrench specifications (bolt tightening) outside the US
- Engine torque specifications internationally
- Mechanical and structural engineering
History of the Newton meter
As a coherent SI derived unit, the newton-meter follows automatically from the newton and meter, without an independent historical origin — though it is numerically identical in form to the joule (energy), the two are conventionally kept distinct because torque and energy are physically different quantities.
Historical origin. Newton meter was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Kilogram-force meter — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Kilogram-force and its derivatives are non-SI units whose use is discouraged in favor of SI force/torque units.
Newton meter — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Coherent derived units — Defines the newton-meter as the SI unit of torque.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many newton meters are in 1 kilogram-force meter?
1 kilogram-force meter equals 9.80665 newton meters, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert kilogram-force meter to newton meter?
Multiply the kilogram-force meter value by 9.80665. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert newton meter back to kilogram-force meter?
Use the reverse factor: 1 newton meter equals 0.1019716213 kilogram-force meters. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a kilogram-force meter?
Kilogram-force meter (kgf m) measures torque. The torque produced by one kilogram-force acting at a perpendicular distance of one meter. It is classified as a non-SI unit, deprecated but still encountered.
What is a newton meter?
Newton meter (N m) measures torque. The newton-meter is the SI derived unit of torque: one newton of force applied at one meter of leverage. It is classified as a SI derived unit.
Is the kilogram-force meter to newton meter conversion exact?
Yes. Both kilogram-force meter and newton meter are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 9.80665 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.
What is the difference between kgf·m vs. n·m?
The newton-meter is the modern SI torque unit; kilogram-force meter is the older, gravity-dependent equivalent still occasionally seen on legacy specifications. 1 kgf·m equals exactly 9.80665 N·m.
Where is the kilogram-force meter still used today?
Can be encountered in some older European and Japanese automotive and mechanical torque specifications