UnitsConverter

Poundal to UK Ton-force Converter

Convert poundals to UK tons-force with our free online force converter.

Quick Answer

1 Poundal = 0.0000139 UK tons-force

Formula: Poundal Ɨ conversion factor = UK Ton-force

Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.

Our Accuracy Guarantee

All conversion formulas on UnitsConverter.io have been verified against NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines and international SI standards. Our calculations are accurate to 10 decimal places for standard conversions and use arbitrary precision arithmetic for astronomical units.

Last verified: December 2025Reviewed by: Sam Mathew, Software Engineer

Poundal to UK Ton-force Calculator

How to Use the Poundal to UK Ton-force Calculator:

  1. Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Poundal).
  2. The converted value in UK Ton-force will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
  3. Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Force category.
  4. Click the swap button (ā‡Œ) to reverse the conversion direction.
Share:

How to Convert Poundal to UK Ton-force: Step-by-Step Guide

Converting Poundal to UK Ton-force involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.

Formula:

LTf = pdl Ɨ 0.0000138754

Example Calculation:

1 pdl = 0.0000139 LTf

Disclaimer: For Reference Only

These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.

Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.

Need to convert to other force units?

View all Force conversions ā†’
šŸ“Š Force Table

Print-friendly conversion reference

šŸ“‹ Unit Symbols

Copy pdl & LTf symbols

What is a Poundal and a UK Ton-force?

The poundal (pdl) is the force to accelerate 1 pound mass at 1 ft/sĀ². It is an absolute unit in the FPS system.

Formula: F = ma where F is in poundals, m in pounds, a in ft/sĀ²

Conversions:

  • 1 pdl = 0.138255 N (newtons)
  • 1 pdl = 0.031081 lbf (pound-force)
  • 1 pdl = 14.098 gf (gram-force)
  • 1 pdl = 0.014098 kgf (kilogram-force)
  • 1 pdl = 138,255 dynes
  • 32.174 pdl = 1 lbf

UK ton-force (long ton-force) is the force exerted by one long ton (2,240 pounds) under standard gravity.

Formula: 1 LTf = 2,240 lbf

Conversions:

  • 1 LTf = 9,964.02 N (newtons)
  • 1 LTf = 9.96402 kN (kilonewtons)
  • 1 LTf = 2,240 lbf (pounds-force)
  • 1 LTf = 1,016.05 kgf (kilogram-force)
  • 1 LTf = 1.01605 metric ton-force
  • 1 LTf = 1.12 US ton-force (short ton-force)

Note: The Poundal is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The UK Ton-force belongs to the imperial/US customary system.

History of the Poundal and UK Ton-force

The poundal was introduced in 1879 by the British Association for the Advancement of Science as part of the foot-pound-second (FPS) absolute system of units. It was designed to provide a consistent force unit for physics calculations using imperial measurements, analogous to the dyne in the CGS system. The name "poundal" was created from "pound" plus the suffix "-al" to indicate it was an absolute unit rather than a gravitational unit. Despite official endorsement, the poundal never achieved widespread practical use because engineers preferred the more intuitive pound-force. By the mid-20th century, it had become largely obsolete, appearing primarily in older physics textbooks and historical engineering documents.

The UK ton-force is based on the long ton, part of the British imperial system. The long ton of 2,240 pounds (20 hundredweight of 112 pounds each) was the standard ton in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries for centuries. It was used extensively in British engineering, particularly in shipping (where "displacement tonnage" used long tons), structural engineering, and heavy industry. When the UK began metrication in 1965, the long ton was gradually replaced by the metric tonne (1,000 kg), though legacy equipment, old drawings, and historical documents still reference long ton-force. The unit persists in some traditional industries and historical contexts.

Common Uses and Applications: poundals vs UK tons-force

Explore the typical applications for both Poundal (imperial/US) and UK Ton-force (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.

Common Uses for poundals

Historical Physics Textbooks: Pre-1960s physics education using FPS units.

Engineering History: Older technical papers and engineering calculations.

Academic Study: Understanding historical unit systems and conversions.

Specialized Applications: Rare modern use in contexts maintaining FPS absolute units.

When to Use UK tons-force

Historical British Engineering: Pre-1970s structural calculations and specifications.

Shipping Industry: Older ship displacement measurements, cargo capacity.

Legacy Equipment: Crane ratings, press capacity from British manufacturers.

Commonwealth Countries: Historical engineering documents in former British territories.

Archival Research: Understanding older technical drawings and specifications.

Additional Unit Information

About Poundal (pdl)

How do I convert poundals to newtons?

Formula: N = pdl Ɨ 0.138255

Examples:

  • 1 pdl = 0.138 N
  • 10 pdl = 1.38 N
  • 32.2 pdl = 4.45 N (1 lbf)
  • 100 pdl = 13.8 N

Quick approximation: Multiply by 0.14 for rough conversion.

Poundals to Newtons converter ā†’

How many poundals equal one pound-force?

1 pound-force = 32.174 poundals

Quick conversions:

  • 1 lbf = 32.2 pdl
  • 5 lbf = 161 pdl
  • 10 lbf = 322 pdl
  • 100 lbf = 3,217 pdl

Reverse: 1 pdl = 0.031081 lbf

The factor 32.174 is Earth's gravitational acceleration (32.174 ft/sĀ²), explaining why 1 pound of mass weighs 32.2 poundals.

Pounds-force to Poundals converter ā†’

What is the difference between poundals and pounds-force?

Poundal (pdl): ABSOLUTE unit - force to accelerate 1 lb at 1 ft/sĀ²

  • Independent of gravity
  • Used in F = ma calculations
  • 1 lb mass weighs 32.2 pdl on Earth

Pound-force (lbf): GRAVITATIONAL unit - weight of 1 lb mass in Earth gravity

  • Depends on Earth's gravity
  • Practical for engineering
  • 1 lb mass weighs 1 lbf on Earth

Example: To accelerate a 10 lb object at 5 ft/sĀ²:

  • Force needed: 50 poundals (using F = ma)
  • Or equivalently: 1.55 pounds-force

This confusion is why poundal failed and pound-force prevailed.

Why is the poundal obsolete?

Non-intuitive: 1 lb mass doesn't weigh 1 poundal (weighs 32.2 pdl).

Pound-force won: Engineers preferred lbf where 1 lb mass = 1 lbf on Earth.

Metric adoption: Newton became international standard (SI unit).

Educational shift: Physics courses moved to SI units or used lbf.

No practical advantage: Created more confusion than benefit.

Historical only: Appears only in old textbooks and historical documents.

Today, use newtons (SI) or pounds-force (US engineering), not poundals.

Convert poundals to other force units ā†’

About UK Ton-force (LTf)

How do I convert UK ton-force to kilonewtons?

Formula: kN = LTf Ɨ 9.96402 (approximately LTf Ɨ 10)

Examples:

  • 1 LTf = 9.96 kN
  • 5 LTf = 49.8 kN
  • 10 LTf = 99.6 kN
  • 100 LTf = 996 kN

Quick approximation: Multiply by 10 for rough conversion.

UK Ton-force to Kilonewtons converter ā†’

What is the difference between UK and US ton-force?

UK ton-force (long ton-force):

  • Based on 2,240 pounds
  • 1 LTf = 9.964 kN = 1.016 metric tf
  • Used in British Commonwealth

US ton-force (short ton-force):

  • Based on 2,000 pounds
  • 1 US tonf = 8.896 kN = 0.907 metric tf
  • Used in United States

Conversion: 1 UK ton-force = 1.12 US ton-force

The 12% difference causes confusion in international specifications. Always clarify "long ton" or "short ton" to avoid errors.

US Ton-force to UK Ton-force converter ā†’

How do UK ton-force and metric ton-force compare?

1 UK ton-force = 1.01605 metric ton-force

They are very close (only ~1.6% difference):

  • 1 long ton = 2,240 lb = 1,016 kg
  • 1 metric ton = 1,000 kg = 2,205 lb

Quick conversions:

  • 1 LTf ā‰ˆ 1.016 tf (metric)
  • 10 LTf ā‰ˆ 10.16 tf
  • 100 LTf ā‰ˆ 101.6 tf

Practical note: For rough estimates, UK and metric ton-force are nearly equal, but always use precise conversions for engineering calculations.

Metric Ton-force to UK Ton-force converter ā†’

Why did the UK stop using long ton-force?

Metrication: UK adopted SI units starting in 1965, gradually phasing out imperial units.

International trade: Metric system became global standard for commerce and engineering.

Confusion reduction: Multiple ton definitions (long, short, metric) created errors.

EU alignment: European Union used metric system exclusively.

Modern practice: Engineering now uses kilonewtons (kN) and metric tonnes.

Legacy persistence: Still appears in old ships, historical documents, and traditional industries.

Today, use kilonewtons for force or metric tonnes for mass in UK engineering.

Convert UK ton-force to other force units ā†’

Conversion Table: Poundal to UK Ton-force

Poundal (pdl)UK Ton-force (LTf)
0.50
10
1.50
20
50
100
250
500.001
1000.001
2500.004
5000.007
1,0000.014

People Also Ask

How do I convert Poundal to UK Ton-force?

To convert Poundal to UK Ton-force, enter the value in Poundal in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our force converter page to convert between other units in this category.

Learn more ā†’

What is the conversion factor from Poundal to UK Ton-force?

The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Poundal and UK Ton-force. You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.

Can I convert UK Ton-force back to Poundal?

Yes! You can easily convert UK Ton-force back to Poundal by using the swap button (ā‡Œ) in the calculator above, or by visiting our UK Ton-force to Poundal converter page. You can also explore other force conversions on our category page.

Learn more ā†’

What are common uses for Poundal and UK Ton-force?

Poundal and UK Ton-force are both standard units used in force measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our force converter for more conversion options.

For more force conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.

Helpful Conversion Guides

Learn more about unit conversion with our comprehensive guides:

šŸ“š How to Convert Units

Step-by-step guide to unit conversion with practical examples.

šŸ”¢ Conversion Formulas

Essential formulas for force and other conversions.

āš–ļø Metric vs Imperial

Understand the differences between measurement systems.

āš ļø Common Mistakes

Learn about frequent errors and how to avoid them.

View All Guides ā†’

All Force Conversions

Newton to MillinewtonNewton to KilonewtonNewton to MeganewtonNewton to DyneNewton to Pound-forceNewton to Kilogram-forceNewton to Gram-forceNewton to Metric Ton-forceNewton to US Ton-forceNewton to UK Ton-forceNewton to PoundalNewton to Ounce-forceNewton to KipMillinewton to NewtonMillinewton to KilonewtonMillinewton to MeganewtonMillinewton to DyneMillinewton to Pound-forceMillinewton to Kilogram-forceMillinewton to Gram-forceMillinewton to Metric Ton-forceMillinewton to US Ton-forceMillinewton to UK Ton-forceMillinewton to PoundalMillinewton to Ounce-forceMillinewton to KipKilonewton to NewtonKilonewton to MillinewtonKilonewton to MeganewtonKilonewton to DyneKilonewton to Pound-forceKilonewton to Kilogram-forceKilonewton to Gram-forceKilonewton to Metric Ton-forceKilonewton to US Ton-forceKilonewton to UK Ton-forceKilonewton to PoundalKilonewton to Ounce-forceKilonewton to KipMeganewton to NewtonMeganewton to MillinewtonMeganewton to KilonewtonMeganewton to DyneMeganewton to Pound-forceMeganewton to Kilogram-forceMeganewton to Gram-forceMeganewton to Metric Ton-forceMeganewton to US Ton-forceMeganewton to UK Ton-forceMeganewton to PoundalMeganewton to Ounce-forceMeganewton to KipDyne to NewtonDyne to MillinewtonDyne to KilonewtonDyne to MeganewtonDyne to Pound-forceDyne to Kilogram-forceDyne to Gram-forceDyne to Metric Ton-forceDyne to US Ton-forceDyne to UK Ton-forceDyne to PoundalDyne to Ounce-forceDyne to KipPound-force to NewtonPound-force to MillinewtonPound-force to KilonewtonPound-force to MeganewtonPound-force to DynePound-force to Kilogram-forcePound-force to Gram-forcePound-force to Metric Ton-forcePound-force to US Ton-forcePound-force to UK Ton-forcePound-force to PoundalPound-force to Ounce-forcePound-force to KipKilogram-force to NewtonKilogram-force to MillinewtonKilogram-force to KilonewtonKilogram-force to MeganewtonKilogram-force to DyneKilogram-force to Pound-forceKilogram-force to Gram-forceKilogram-force to Metric Ton-forceKilogram-force to US Ton-forceKilogram-force to UK Ton-forceKilogram-force to PoundalKilogram-force to Ounce-forceKilogram-force to KipGram-force to NewtonGram-force to MillinewtonGram-force to KilonewtonGram-force to MeganewtonGram-force to DyneGram-force to Pound-forceGram-force to Kilogram-forceGram-force to Metric Ton-forceGram-force to US Ton-forceGram-force to UK Ton-forceGram-force to PoundalGram-force to Ounce-forceGram-force to KipMetric Ton-force to NewtonMetric Ton-force to MillinewtonMetric Ton-force to KilonewtonMetric Ton-force to MeganewtonMetric Ton-force to DyneMetric Ton-force to Pound-forceMetric Ton-force to Kilogram-forceMetric Ton-force to Gram-forceMetric Ton-force to US Ton-forceMetric Ton-force to UK Ton-forceMetric Ton-force to PoundalMetric Ton-force to Ounce-forceMetric Ton-force to KipUS Ton-force to NewtonUS Ton-force to MillinewtonUS Ton-force to Kilonewton

Other Force Units and Conversions

Explore other force units and their conversion options:

View all force units ā†’

Verified Against Authority Standards

All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.

NIST Reference on Constants, Units and Uncertainty

National Institute of Standards and Technology ā€” Fundamental physical constants and unit conversions

BIPM SI Units

Bureau International des Poids et Mesures ā€” International System of Units (SI) definitions and standards

ISO 80000

International Organization for Standardization ā€” Quantities and units international standards series

Last verified: December 3, 2025