Convert Kilograms-force to Kilonewtons
1 kilogram-force (kgf) equals 0.00980665 kilonewtons (kN).
1 kgf = 0.00980665 kN
Type in either box. Scientific notation works: 1.5e-3.
Converting a list? Use the bulk kilogram-force to kilonewton converter to paste a column from Excel.
How to Convert Kilogram-force to Kilonewton
- 1 kgf = 0.00980665 kN
- 1 kN = 101.9716213 kgf
- Example: convert 15 kgf to kN: 15 kgf = 15 × 0.00980665 kN = 0.14709975 kN
Formula
kN = kgf × 0.00980665
or kN = kgf ÷ 101.9716212978
Derivation from SI units:
- 1 kgf = 1 kg × 9.80665 m/s² = 9.80665 N (exact)
- 1 kN = 10³ N
- 1 kgf = 9.80665 N ÷ 1000 N per kN = 0.00980665 kN
Both units are defined exactly, so the factor is exact. Kilogram-force definition: kilogram-force; Kilonewton definition: kilonewton.
Worked examples
- A reading of 5 kgf converts to 0.04903325 kN.
5 kgf × 0.00980665 = 0.04903325 kN - A value of 50 kgf is 0.4903325 kN.
50 kgf × 0.00980665 = 0.4903325 kN
Kilogram-force to Kilonewton conversion table
| Kilograms-force (kgf) | Kilonewtons (kN) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 kgf | 0.004903325 kN |
| 1 kgf | 0.00980665 kN |
| 2 kgf | 0.0196133 kN |
| 5 kgf | 0.04903325 kN |
| 10 kgf | 0.0980665 kN |
| 20 kgf | 0.196133 kN |
| 50 kgf | 0.4903325 kN |
| 100 kgf | 0.980665 kN |
| 500 kgf | 4.903325 kN |
| 1000 kgf | 9.80665 kN |
Where it's used
Kilograms-force are used for older metric engineering data and gauges (kgf/cm²), while kilonewtons appear in climbing gear strength (carabiners ≈ 22–25 kN). Both measure force, so the conversion is a fixed factor.
Kilogram-force to other force units
| Conversion | 1 kgf equals |
|---|---|
| kilogram-force to newton | 9.80665 N |
| kilogram-force to kilonewton | 0.00980665 kN |
| kilogram-force to pound-force | 2.204622622 lbf |
| kilogram-force to kip | 0.002204622622 kip |
| kilogram-force to dyne | 980665 dyn |
| kilogram-force to ounce-force | 35.27396195 ozf |
| kilogram-force to gram-force | 1000 gf |
Frequently asked questions
How many kilonewtons are in 1 kilogram-force?
1 kgf = 0.00980665 kN.
How do I convert kilograms-force to kilonewtons?
Multiply the value in kgf by 0.00980665, or divide it by 101.9716213. For example, 15 kgf × 0.00980665 = 0.14709975 kN.
Is the kgf to kN conversion exact?
Yes. Both units are defined exactly, and 1 kgf is exactly 0.00980665 kN.
Sources
- Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI), NIST Special Publication 811, 2008 Edition, National Institute of Standards and Technology , Appendix B.8, "kilogram-force (kgf)".
- The International System of Units (SI), 9th edition (SI Brochure), Bureau International des Poids et Mesures , Table 7, SI prefixes.
Last reviewed: . Factors are stored exactly and computed with 50-digit decimal arithmetic. See how we verify conversion factors.
Cite this page
APA
Scientific Converters. (2026, October 15). Convert Kilograms-force to Kilonewtons. Retrieved October 17, 2026, from https://scientificconverters.com/force/kilogram-force-to-kilonewtons/
IEEE
Scientific Converters, "Convert Kilograms-force to Kilonewtons," scientificconverters.com. Accessed: Oct. 17, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://scientificconverters.com/force/kilogram-force-to-kilonewtons/