kg to Newtons Calculator
Convert between kilogram-force (kgf) and Newtons (N) with precise force calculations
Force Conversion Calculator
Force exerted by gravity on this mass
Force in SI unit (kg⋅m/s²)
Conversion Results
Conversion Details
Example Calculation
Lifting a 15 kg Suitcase
Given: Mass = 15 kg, Earth gravity = 9.80665 m/s²
Find: Force required to lift the suitcase
Solution
Force = mass × gravity
F = 15 kg × 9.80665 m/s²
F = 147.1 N (or 15 kgf)
This is the minimum force needed to overcome gravity
Quick Reference
Understanding kg-force and Newtons
What is Kilogram-Force (kgf)?
Kilogram-force (kgf) is a unit of force that represents the force exerted by Earth's gravity on a mass of one kilogram. It's not an SI unit but is still commonly used in engineering and everyday applications when discussing weight as a force.
What is a Newton (N)?
The Newton is the SI unit of force, defined as the force required to accelerate a mass of one kilogram at a rate of one meter per second squared. It's named after Sir Isaac Newton and is derived from his second law of motion.
Conversion Formula
F (N) = m (kg) × g (m/s²)
1 kgf = 9.80665 N
- F: Force in Newtons
- m: Mass in kilograms
- g: Gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m/s² on Earth)
- kgf: Kilogram-force (weight under standard gravity)
Key Differences
Kilogram-Force (kgf)
- • Based on Earth's standard gravity
- • Not an SI unit
- • Common in engineering applications
- • Represents gravitational force on mass
- • Varies with local gravity
Newton (N)
- • Official SI unit of force
- • Based on mass and acceleration
- • Used in scientific calculations
- • Independent of gravity
- • Universal unit for any force
Important Notes:
- • Weight is a force measured in Newtons, while mass is measured in kilograms
- • The term "kg" is sometimes incorrectly used when referring to weight force
- • On other planets, the same mass will have different weight due to different gravity
- • Standard gravity (9.80665 m/s²) is used for official conversions