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 Japanese robot arm has a 500 kgf payload rating. My simulation calculates forces in newtons — is 4,900 N within spec?

4,900 N ÷ 9.81 ≈ 499.5 kgf. That's essentially right at the limit — you have no safety margin. Choose a higher-rated arm or reduce the load.

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

Japanese machinery, older European industrial equipment, and hydraulic system datasheets from the 1970s–2000s frequently rate forces in kgf rather than the modern SI newton. A press-fit force spec of 490 N in a modern FEA report must become 50 kgf to compare against the machine's nameplate limit. Automotive torque converter specifications, spring rate tables, and clamping force ratings still appear in kgf across many international markets.

Source: NIST SP 811, Table B.8

Last reviewed: 2026-06-11 · 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 servo motor's maximum axial load, often specified in kgf in Japanese robotics manuals but calculated in newtons by the control software.

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