I'm working with an older materials testing machine that only displays force in kgf, but my new sensors output newtons — how do I compare them?

Divide the newton value by 9.80665. For example, 490 N ÷ 9.81 ≈ 50 kgf. Now you can read the machine's kgf display and directly compare to your sensor output.

A part is rated 500 kgf. Is a 4,900 N load within that rating?

4,900 N ÷ 9.80665 ≈ 499.7 kgf. That is at the rated limit. Check the manufacturer's required margin before you use it.

My hydraulic system pressure gauge reads in kgf/cm². My pump is rated in bar. Are these the same?

Very close: 1 kgf/cm² ≈ 0.981 bar. A 100 kgf/cm² system operates at roughly 98.1 bar. For practical purposes, treat them as equal within 2%.

A cable spec sheet shows breaking strength in newtons, but my safety rating is in kgf — how do I compare them?

Divide the newton value by 9.80665. A 2,943 N breaking strength ÷ 9.81 = 300 kgf. Apply your safety factor in kgf units as usual.

Newtons to Kilogram-Force (kgf) Converter

Enter a value to instantly convert between force units.

From

Precision4 dp

1 Newton = 0.102 Kilogram-Force

Key Formulas

Newton → Pound-Force

lbf = N × 0.224809

Pound-Force → Newton

N = lbf × 4.44822

Kilogram-Force → Newton

N = kgf × 9.80665

Newton → Kilogram-Force

kgf = N × 0.101972

Formula

kgf = N ÷ 9.80665

Some older equipment datasheets rate force in kgf. A 490 N force in an SI report is about 50 kgf on such a nameplate.

Source: NIST SP 811, Table B.8

Reviewed by the Convert Calc editorial team · Last reviewed: 2026-10-06 · see our methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

Weight of a 1 kg object at standard gravity — the definition of 1 kgf, and a calibration reference for precision scales.

9.81 N = 1 kgf

Force needed to support a 10 kg load — used when verifying that a bracket rated in kgf can hold a known mass.

98.1 N = 10 kgf

A 490 N axial load from control software, about 50 kgf for an older kgf-rated spec.

490 N = 49.97 kgf

Clamping force of a 200 kgf rated hydraulic fixture — the SI force needed from the actuator to meet the clamping spec.

1960 N = 199.87 kgf

newtons to lbf lbf to newtons kgf to newtons kn to newtons newtons to kn

Newtons to Kilogram-Force (kgf) Converter

Key Formulas

Formula

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

Related Converters