kg to Newtons Calculator
Welcome to our kg to newtons calculator, a handy tool that allows you to perform the newtons to kg conversion effortlessly.
Do you want to find out how to change kg into newtons manually? This article was made for you! Keep reading to learn more about how to calculate newtons from kg, and to discover some facts about these two units of force.
Newtons to kg conversion: formula and definitions
What are newtons and kilograms? Let's start from the fact that the kilogram is a unit of weight or mass, but the newton isn't. But why do we talk about newtons and kilograms, then?
Well, when talking about these two units together, the word "kilogram" is really a shorthand for kilogram-force, which, as its name suggests, is a unit of force, just like the newton. A kilogram-force is defined as the force exerted by gravity on a mass of 1 kilogram at the Earth's surface. A newton, on the other hand, is the force needed to accelerate a 1-kilogram mass at a rate of 1 m/s².
🔎 The definition of the newton derives directly from Newton's Second Law of Motion ⚖️ Visit our Newton's Second Law calculator if you want to know more!
Alright, so what are the conversion formulas from kilogram-force to newtons and vice versa? We'll spare you the wait: here they are!
value in kgf = value in N / 9.80665
value in N = value in kgf × 9.80665
That was the simple answer, but we wouldn't be Omni if we didn't provide you with some fascinating knowledge and facts. So, keep reading if you want to know where these formulas come from and to see some examples.
What is the relationship between kilogram-force and newtons?
To start, here are the equations that define the relationship between kgf and newtons:
1 kgf = 9.80665 N
1 N = 1 / 9.80665 kgf ≈ 0.10197 kgf
The conversion factor of 9.80665 can be derived from the definitions of these two units. From the definition of the kilogram-force, we know that it expresses the force exerted by gravity (g) on a 1-kilogram object:
1 kgf = 1 kg × 𝘨 = 1 kg × 9.80665 m/s² = 9.80665 kg⋅m/s²
...and we know that a newton is the same as 1 kg⋅m/s², therefore:
1 kgf = 9.80665 N
And that's it! This is all the basic information you need to change kg to newtons or newtons to kg.
🍎 Did you know that a medium apple weighs about 1 N on Earth?
If you're interested in discovering more about force, check out our force calculator, and if you need help with converting a value of force into a different unit, you can use the force converter instead.
Example: how to convert kg to newtons and vice versa
Now that we know the newtons to kg conversion factor, let's try converting some forces! Take, for instance, a 15 kgf, which is roughly the force you have to exert when lifting a 15-kilogram suitcase off the ground.
Do you know how to change kg into newtons in this case? You will need to multiply the value in kgf by 9.80665, as follows:
value in N = value in kgf × 9.80665 = 15 × 9.80665 = 147.1 N
And now, let's try the contrary. The force required to press a key on a mechanical keyboard is roughly 6 newtons — let's see how to convert newtons to kg in this case:
value in kgf = value in N / 9.80665 = 6 / 9.80665 ≈ 0.6118 kgf
So, now that we know how to calculate newtons from kg and vice versa, it is time to make our life a little easier with the kg to newtons calculator!
How to use this kg to newtons calculator
This newtons to kg calculator has been made with only one purpose in mind: making the newtons to kg conversion as simple as possible. We're sure you won't find any issues using it, but in case you need it, here is a quick guide on how to use the tool:
- Insert your value in kilogram-force or in newtons.
- The calculator will apply the conversion formula, and the missing value will appear automatically.
- If you wish, you can expand the second section of the tool,
Conversion to other units
, to convert your result into yet another unit of force. You can choose and change units as much as you like. All you have to do is click on the unit in theOther unit
field to open the unit selection dropdown.
🙋 If you're hungry for knowledge about force, why don't you explore a more practical example with our car crash force calculator!
FAQs
How many kg is equal to 1 newton?
0.10197 kgf. Whilst you cannot convert a unit of force, such as the newton, into a unit of mass, like the kg, the symbol “kg” is sometimes erroneously used as a synonym of kgf, that is, kilogram-force, which — you guessed it — is a unit of force, just like the newton. The relationship between the two is defined by the following equation:
1 N = 0.10197 kgf
or
1 kgf = 9.80665 N
How do I convert kg to newtons?
If you want to convert kilogram-force (kgf, or sometimes, kg) into newtons (N), follow these simple steps:
- Note down your value in kgf.
- To change kg to newtons, you will need to multiply the value in kilogram-force by 9.80665, which is the standard acceleration due to gravity.
- And there you have it! You now know how to calculate newtons from kg!
- If you want to convert newtons to kgf instead, you will need to divide the value in N by 9.80665.
What is a kilogram-force?
A kilogram-force (kgf), equivalent to 9.80665 newtons, is the force that Earth's gravity exerts on a mass of one kilogram. Though not part of the SI system, it's still used in engineering, especially when weight is treated as a force.
How much force is a newton?
One newton (N) is the force required to accelerate a 1-kilogram mass by 1 meter per second squared. That’s roughly the force needed to slide a small book across a table or lift an apple against gravity.