Gram-force (gf) - Unit Information & Conversion
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What is a Gram-force?
Gram-force (gf) is the force exerted by one gram of mass under standard Earth gravity (9.80665 m/s²). Equal to 0.00980665 newtons, it is used in small-scale force measurements, spring scales, and precision instruments.
History of the Gram-force
Derived from the metric gravitational system of units. Commonly used in Europe and Asia for small force measurements. Also known as gram-weight or pond. Gradually being replaced by SI units (millinewtons) in scientific contexts.
Quick Answer
What is Gram-force? A gram-force (gf) is the force exerted by a one-gram mass in Earth's standard gravity. 1 gf = 0.00980665 newtons (approximately 9.81 millinewtons). Used for small-scale measurements like spring tension, jewelry scales, and precision instruments. Common in mechanical engineering, watchmaking, and laboratory equipment specifications. Use our force converter to convert gram-force to newtons, pound-force, and other units instantly.
Quick Comparison Table
| Gram-force | Newtons | Millinewtons | Context | Convert Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.00981 | 9.81 | Small paperclip weight | gf to N → |
| 10 | 0.0981 | 98.1 | AA battery weight | gf to N → |
| 50 | 0.491 | 491 | Golf ball weight | gf to mN → |
| 100 | 0.981 | 981 | Medium apple weight | gf to N → |
| 500 | 4.90 | 4,900 | Water bottle weight | gf to N → |
| 1,000 | 9.81 | 9,810 | 1 kilogram-force | gf to kgf → |
Definition
Gram-force (gf) is the force exerted by one gram of mass under standard gravity (9.80665 m/s²).
Formula: 1 gf = 1 gram × 9.80665 m/s²
Conversions:
- 1 gf = 0.00980665 N (newtons)
- 1 gf = 9.80665 mN (millinewtons)
- 1 gf = 980.665 dynes
- 1 gf = 0.001 kgf (kilogram-force)
- 1 gf = 0.00220462 lbf (pounds-force)
- 1 gf = 0.035274 ozf (ounce-force)
History
Gram-force emerged from the metric gravitational system of units, which was widely used in continental Europe before the adoption of SI units. The unit is also known as "gram-weight" or "pond" (from the Latin word for weight). While it remains in common use for consumer scales, spring specifications, and small mechanical devices, scientific and engineering applications increasingly prefer SI units like millinewtons. The gram-force is particularly persistent in industries like watchmaking, jewelry, and precision instruments where tradition and existing equipment favor its continued use.
Common Uses
Laboratory Equipment: Spring scales, force gauges, material testing of small samples.
Watchmaking: Mainspring tension specifications (typically 50-500 gf).
Jewelry: Measuring clasp strength and chain durability.
Mechanical Engineering: Small spring constants, contact force specifications.
Consumer Products: Kitchen scales, postal scales, fishing line strength.
Real-World Examples
Everyday Objects:
- Paperclip weight: ~1 gf
- US penny coin: ~2.5 gf
- US nickel coin: ~5 gf
- AA battery: ~24 gf
- Large strawberry: ~20 gf
- Golf ball: ~46 gf
- Standard apple: ~100-150 gf
Mechanical Devices:
- Keyboard key actuation force: 45-80 gf
- Watch mainspring: 100-300 gf
- Pen spring: 20-50 gf
- Mechanical pencil lead: breaks at ~200-400 gf
- Eyeglass frame spring: 50-150 gf
Precision Measurements:
- Fishing line (2 lb test): ~900 gf
- Sewing thread strength: 100-500 gf
- Guitar string tension: 1,000-3,000 gf per string
- Contact lens handling force: <1 gf
- Micro-switch actuation: 10-100 gf
Gram-force Conversion Formulas
To Newton:
To Millinewton:
To Kilonewton:
To Meganewton:
To Dyne:
To Pound-force:
To Kilogram-force:
To Metric Ton-force:
To US Ton-force:
To UK Ton-force:
To Poundal:
To Ounce-force:
To Kip:
Frequently Asked Questions
Formula: N = gf × 0.00980665 (approximately gf ÷ 102) Examples:
- 10 gf = 0.0981 N
- 50 gf = 0.491 N
- 100 gf = 0.981 N
- 1,000 gf = 9.81 N Quick approximation: Divide by 102 for rough conversion. Gram-force to Newtons converter →
Convert Gram-force
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