Force and Torque Converter
Convert force and torque units with the factor behind each answer. A kilogram-force is a force, not a mass.
1 kN = 1,000 N
Common conversions
- 1 kN = 1,000 N
- 1 N = 0.001 kN
- 1 kgf = 9.80665 N
- 1 lbf = 4.448221615 N
- 1 N = 0.2248089431 lbf
Force versus mass
The kilogram is a mass and the newton is a force. A kilogram-force is the weight of one kilogram at standard gravity, 9.80665 N. Use the mass converter for kg and lb.
Torque is force times distance
Torque in N·m is a force in newtons times a lever arm in metres. It has the same dimensions as energy in joules, but it is a different quantity and a torque is never expressed in joules.
Motor and terminal torque
Motor shaft torque is often quoted in N·m or lbf·ft, and terminal screw torque in N·m or lbf·in. Always use the figure on the data sheet in the unit it was given.
Unit factors
Every unit in terms of the base unit shown. To convert, multiply by the factor of the unit you have and divide by the factor of the unit you want.
Force units
| Unit | Equals | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| mN | 0.001 N | Millinewton. |
| N | 1 N | Newton, the SI unit of force: the force that accelerates one kilogram at one metre per second squared. |
| kN | 1,000 N | Kilonewton. Cable tension, pulling loads and structural loads. |
| MN | 1,000,000 N | Meganewton. |
| kgf | 9.80665 N | Kilogram-force: the weight of one kilogram at standard gravity, 9.80665 N. |
| lbf | 4.448221615 N | Pound-force: the weight of one pound at standard gravity. |
| dyn | 1 × 10⁻⁵ N | Dyne, the CGS unit of force: 10 micronewtons. |
Torque units
| Unit | Equals | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| N·m | 1 N·m | Newton-metre, the SI unit of torque. |
| kN·m | 1,000 N·m | Kilonewton-metre. Large machines and structures. |
| mN·m | 0.001 N·m | Millinewton-metre. Small motors. |
| kgf·m | 9.80665 N·m | Kilogram-force metre, an older torque unit. |
| lbf·ft | 1.355817948 N·m | Pound-force foot. Torque in US practice, including motor and bolt tightening values. |
| lbf·in | 0.112984829 N·m | Pound-force inch. Terminal screw torque. |
| ozf·in | 0.007061551814 N·m | Ounce-force inch. Small motors and servo ratings. |
Conversion pages
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula to convert kN to N?
N = kN × 1,000. For example, 5 kN is 5,000 N.
How do I convert N back to kN?
kN = N × 0.001. The Swap button above reverses the direction for any pair of units.
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