Metric Ton-force to Kilonewton Converter

Convert metric tons-force to kilonewtons with our free online force converter.

Quick Answer

1 Metric Ton-force = 9.80665 kilonewtons

Formula: Metric Ton-force Ɨ conversion factor = Kilonewton

Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.

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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: February 2026Reviewed by: Sam Mathew, Software Engineer

Metric Ton-force to Kilonewton Calculator

How to Use the Metric Ton-force to Kilonewton Calculator:

  1. Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Metric Ton-force).
  2. The converted value in Kilonewton 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.
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How to Convert Metric Ton-force to Kilonewton: Step-by-Step Guide

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

Formula:

kN = tf Ɨ 9.80665

Example Calculation:

1 tf = 9.80665 kN

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.

What is a Metric Ton-force and a Kilonewton?

Metric ton-force (tf) is the force exerted by one metric ton (tonne = 1,000 kg) under standard gravity (9.80665 m/s²).

Formula: 1 tf = 1,000 kg Ɨ 9.80665 m/s²

Conversions:

  • 1 tf = 9,806.65 N (newtons)
  • 1 tf = 9.80665 kN (kilonewtons)
  • 1 tf = 2,204.62 lbf (pounds-force)
  • 1 tf = 1,000 kgf (kilogram-force)
  • 1 tf = 0.00980665 MN (meganewtons)
  • 1 tf = 2.20462 kip

The kilonewton (kN) is equal to 1,000 newtons. It measures force in the SI system at a practical scale for engineering.

Formula: 1 kN = 1,000 N = 1,000 kgā‹…m/s²

Conversions:

  • 1 kN = 1,000 N (newtons)
  • 1 kN = 0.001 MN (meganewtons)
  • 1 kN = 224.809 lbf (pounds-force)
  • 1 kN = 101.97 kgf (kilogram-force)
  • 1 kN = 0.2248 kip (1000 lbf)
  • 1 kN = 1,000,000 mN (millinewtons)

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

History of the Metric Ton-force and Kilonewton

Metric ton-force emerged from the meter-kilogram-second gravitational system as a practical unit for measuring large forces in metric countries. The metric ton (tonne) equals 1,000 kilograms, making ton-force a natural extension of kilogram-force for heavy loads. Widely used in European, Asian, and Latin American engineering throughout the 20th century for crane ratings, structural loads, and industrial equipment specifications. While SI standardization favors kilonewtons, metric ton-force remains common in practical engineering contexts where the intuitive relationship to mass (1 tonne = 1 tf on Earth) provides convenience.

The kilonewton emerged when the newton was adopted as the SI unit of force in 1948 at the 9th General Conference on Weights and Measures. As the SI system gained international acceptance in the 1960s through 1980s, the kilonewton became the standard unit for structural engineering calculations, replacing various regional units like the ton-force and kip. Today, kN is universally used in building codes, structural design software, equipment specifications, and engineering documentation worldwide. The unit provides a convenient scale where typical structural loads fall in the range of 1-1000 kN.

Common Uses and Applications: metric tons-force vs kilonewtons

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

Common Uses for metric tons-force

Construction Equipment: Crane capacity ratings, lifting equipment, heavy machinery.

Structural Engineering: Foundation loads, bridge pier capacity, building columns.

Marine Engineering: Ship displacement, anchor forces, mooring loads.

Industrial Equipment: Press capacity, forging equipment, material handling.

Automotive: Vehicle weight specifications, towing capacity, load ratings.

When to Use kilonewtons

Structural Engineering: Building loads, beam capacity, column forces, foundation design.

Construction: Crane lifting capacity, excavator bucket force, pile driving.

Aerospace: Aircraft thrust ratings, landing gear loads, wing lift forces.

Automotive: Crash test forces, suspension design, towing capacity.

Mechanical Engineering: Press capacity, actuator force, brake systems.

Conversion Table: Metric Ton-force to Kilonewton

Metric Ton-force (tf)Kilonewton (kN)
0.54.903
19.807
1.514.71
219.613
549.033
1098.067
25245.166
50490.333
100980.665
2502,451.663
5004,903.325
1,0009,806.65

People Also Ask

How do I convert Metric Ton-force to Kilonewton?

To convert Metric Ton-force to Kilonewton, enter the value in Metric Ton-force 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 →

What is the conversion factor from Metric Ton-force to Kilonewton?

The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Metric Ton-force and Kilonewton. 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 Kilonewton back to Metric Ton-force?

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

Learn more →

What are common uses for Metric Ton-force and Kilonewton?

Metric Ton-force and Kilonewton 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.

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 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 KilonewtonUS Ton-force to Meganewton

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 — Fundamental physical constants and unit conversions

BIPM SI Units

Bureau International des Poids et Mesures — International System of Units (SI) definitions and standards

ISO 80000

International Organization for Standardization — Quantities and units international standards series

Last verified: February 19, 2026