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1. Input Force

2. Safety Factor (Optional)

Multiplier for Design Load

Base Conversion

0 kgf

Design Load (w/ SF)

0 kgf
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About

Kilogram-force (kgf), also known as the kilopond (kp), is a gravitational metric unit of force. While standard Newtons are preferred in modern physics, kgf remains deeply embedded in legacy civil engineering diagrams, older machinery specifications, and aerospace thrust data. It represents the force exerted by one kilogram of mass in standard earth gravity.

This tool is tailored for engineers reviewing older structural plans or converting component specs. It includes a "Safety Factor" feature, allowing you to instantly project the design load required based on a raw converted value. This eliminates the secondary calculation step often performed manually, reducing the risk of arithmetic error in critical load-bearing assessments.

force converter kilogram-force civil engineering structural load newtons to kgf pounds-force

Formulas

The conversion assumes standard gravity g 9.80665 m/sยฒ. The formula relates force F in Newtons to Kilogram-force:

Fkgf = FNg

When applying a Safety Factor (SF), the Design Load is calculated as:

Loaddesign = Fkgf × SF

Reference Data

UnitSymbolValue in kgfType
Kilogram-forcekgf1Gravitational
NewtonN0.10197SI
KilonewtonkN101.97SI
Pound-forcelbf0.45359Imperial
Dynedyn1.0197 × 10-6CGS
Poundalpdl0.014098Imperial
Ton-force (Metric)tf1000Metric
Ton-force (Short)tnf907.18US Customary

Frequently Asked Questions

Kg is a unit of MASS (amount of matter). Kgf is a unit of FORCE (the weight of that mass on Earth). In zero gravity, you still have mass (kg), but you have zero force (0 kgf). Confusing these two can be catastrophic in dynamic calculations.
Kgf is intuitive because 1 kgf is exactly the weight of a 1 kg object in your hand. Newtons (approx 1/10th of a kgf) are less intuitive for quick mental estimations of weight and load, which is why kgf persists in rocketry thrust and crane load charts.
In engineering, you never build to the exact breaking limit. If a cable holds 100 kgf, and you want a Safety Factor of 1.5, you act as if the load is 150 kgf for design purposes. This tool multiplies your converted result by the factor you input.