Kilogram-force to Kilonewton Converter
Enter the value that you want to convert kilogram-force (kgf) to kilonewton (kN) or kilonewton to kilogram-force.Also written as KGF to KN conversion.
1 kilogram-force = 0.0098067 kilonewton
Formula: kilonewton = kilogram-force value × 0.0098067
KGF to KN — kilogram-force to kilonewton
10 kilogram-force = 0.09807 kilonewton
Popular Force Converters:
How Kilogram-force Relates to Kilonewton
The Kilogram-force in Engineering
Kilogram-force (kgf) is a unit of force measurement. 1 kilogram-force is equal to 0.0098067 kilonewton.
The Kilonewton in Engineering
Kilonewton (kN) is a unit of force measurement. 1 kilonewton is equal to 101.9716213 kilogram-force.
Force Units in Engineering
Force measurement splits between SI (newtons, kilonewtons) and legacy systems (pound-force, kilogram-force, dynes). Structural engineers, automotive crash testers, aerospace designers, and material scientists all encounter mixed unit systems in international specifications, test reports, and historical reference documents. Converting accurately between these is critical for safety calculations.
kilogram-force to kilonewton metric conversion table
| 0.01 kgf | = | 0.00010 kN |
| 0.1 kgf | = | 0.00098 kN |
| 1 kgf | = | 0.00981 kN |
| 2 kgf | = | 0.01961 kN |
| 3 kgf | = | 0.02942 kN |
| 4 kgf | = | 0.03923 kN |
| 5 kgf | = | 0.04903 kN |
| 6 kgf | = | 0.05884 kN |
| 7 kgf | = | 0.06865 kN |
| 8 kgf | = | 0.07845 kN |
| 9 kgf | = | 0.08826 kN |
| 10 kgf | = | 0.09807 kN |
| 11 kgf | = | 0.10787 kN |
| 12 kgf | = | 0.11768 kN |
| 13 kgf | = | 0.12749 kN |
| 14 kgf | = | 0.13729 kN |
| 15 kgf | = | 0.14710 kN |
| 16 kgf | = | 0.15691 kN |
| 17 kgf | = | 0.16671 kN |
| 18 kgf | = | 0.17652 kN |
| 19 kgf | = | 0.18633 kN |
| 20 kgf | = | 0.19613 kN |
| 30 kgf | = | 0.29420 kN |
| 40 kgf | = | 0.39227 kN |
| 50 kgf | = | 0.49033 kN |
| 60 kgf | = | 0.58840 kN |
| 70 kgf | = | 0.68647 kN |
| 80 kgf | = | 0.78453 kN |
| 90 kgf | = | 0.88260 kN |
| 100 kgf | = | 0.98067 kN |
| 200 kgf | = | 1.96133 kN |
| 300 kgf | = | 2.94199 kN |
| 400 kgf | = | 3.92266 kN |
| 500 kgf | = | 4.90332 kN |
| 600 kgf | = | 5.88399 kN |
| 700 kgf | = | 6.86465 kN |
| 800 kgf | = | 7.84532 kN |
| 900 kgf | = | 8.82598 kN |
| 1000 kgf | = | 9.80665 kN |
How to Convert KGF to KN (Kilogram-force to Kilonewton)?
We can convert kilogram-force to kilonewton by using an example.
Example:
Convert 20 Kilogram-force to Kilonewton?
We know 1 Kilogram-force = 0.0098067 kilonewton; 1 Kilonewton = 101.9716213 kilogram-force.
20 kilogram-force = ___kN
20 × 0.0098067 = 0.19613 kN (we know 1 kilogram-force = 0.0098067 kilonewton)
Answer:
20 kilogram-force = 0.19613 kilonewton
Kilogram-Force to Kilonewtons: Scaling Weight to Engineering Units
Converting kgf to kN bridges everyday weight measurements with professional structural engineering notation. One kilogram-force equals 0.00981 kN (or 0.00980665 kN exactly). This conversion is needed when translating equipment weights, material loads, or machinery specs from kgf into the kN-based format used in modern structural calculations and building codes.
- Start with your force or weight in kilogram-force (kgf).
- Multiply by 0.00980665 to convert to kilonewtons.
- Alternatively, multiply kgf by 9.80665 to get Newtons, then divide by 1,000.
- The result is the force expressed in kN.
kgf to kN Conversion Table
Equipment and load weights translated to structural engineering units:
| Kilogram-force | Kilonewton |
|---|---|
| 10 kgf | 0.098 kN |
| 50 kgf | 0.490 kN |
| 100 kgf | 0.981 kN |
| 250 kgf | 2.452 kN |
| 500 kgf | 4.903 kN |
| 1,000 kgf | 9.807 kN |
| 5,000 kgf | 49.03 kN |
| 10,000 kgf | 98.07 kN |
Solved Examples: kgf to kN
Question 1: A rooftop HVAC unit weighs 350 kgf. Express as a point load in kN for structural analysis.
Solution:
Force in kN = 350 × 0.00980665
= 3.432 kN
Answer: 350 kgf = 3.432 kN point load on the roof structure.
Question 2: A warehouse stores pallets weighing 1,200 kgf each. Convert to kN.
Solution:
Force in kN = 1,200 × 0.00980665
= 11.77 kN per pallet
Answer: Each 1,200 kgf pallet applies 11.77 kN to the floor.
Question 3: A water tank holds 8,000 kgf when full. What load in kN does the supporting structure carry?
Solution:
Force in kN = 8,000 × 0.00980665
= 78.45 kN
Answer: The full water tank imposes 78.45 kN on the support structure.
Practice: kgf to kN
Try solving these on your own to test your understanding:
- A generator weighs 450 kgf. Convert to kN. (Answer: 4.41 kN)
- Floor loading is 300 kgf/m². Express in kN/m². (Answer: 2.94 kN/m²)
- A crane picks up 6,500 kgf. What is the hook force in kN? (Answer: 63.74 kN)
- Server racks weigh 2,000 kgf total. Convert to kN. (Answer: 19.61 kN)
- A swimming pool holds 50,000 kgf of water. Express in kN. (Answer: 490.3 kN)
Dead Load Calculations: From Equipment Weight to Structural Load
Structural engineers frequently receive equipment weights in kgf from manufacturers (HVAC units, generators, elevators, water tanks) and must convert these to kN for load combination calculations per building codes. Dead load (permanent weight) is factored by 1.2-1.4 in ultimate limit state design. A 500 kgf unit becomes 4.90 kN dead load, which with a 1.35 factor becomes 6.62 kN factored load in the structural design.
Why Modern Codes Use kN Instead of kgf
The shift from kgf to kN in structural codes eliminates confusion between mass and force. In kgf-based systems, engineers might write "500 kg" ambiguously — is it a mass to be moved or a force/weight on a structure? Using kN makes clear that the number represents a force. Eurocode, Australian AS1170, and most modern Asian codes now specify loads exclusively in kN and kN/m².
Key Takeaways
- 1 kgf = 0.00980665 kN — divide kgf by ~100 for a quick kN estimate.
- 100 kgf ≈ 1 kN — the fundamental benchmark for this conversion.
- Equipment manufacturers provide weights in kgf; engineers need kN for design.
- Modern building codes worldwide use kN to avoid mass/force confusion.
- Always apply appropriate load factors after converting to kN for design.
Kilogram-force to Kilonewton Conversion Formula
kilonewton = kilogram-force × 0.0098067
1 kilogram-force = 0.0098067 kilonewton
1 kilonewton = 101.9716213 kilogram-force
Reverse: kilogram-force = kilonewton × 101.9716213
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kilonewton are in 1 kilogram-force?
There are 0.0098067 kilonewton in 1 kilogram-force. To convert kilogram-force to kilonewton, multiply the value by 0.0098067.
How do I convert kilogram-force to kilonewton?
Multiply your kilogram-force value by 0.0098067 to get the equivalent in kilonewton. For example, 5 kilogram-force = 5 × 0.0098067 = 0.04903 kilonewton.
How do I convert kilonewton to kilogram-force?
Multiply your kilonewton value by 101.9716213 to get the equivalent in kilogram-force. Alternatively, divide by 0.0098067.
What is 10 kilogram-force in kilonewton?
10 kilogram-force is equal to 0.09807 kilonewton.
What is 100 kilogram-force in kilonewton?
100 kilogram-force is equal to 0.98067 kilonewton.