Kilogram-force (kgf) - Unit Information & Conversion

Quick Answer

What is Kilogram-force? A kilogram-force (kgf) is the force exerted by a one-kilogram mass in Earth's standard gravity. 1 kgf = 9.80665 newtons. Commonly used in mechanical engineering for torque specifications, hydraulic pressure, material strength testing, and automotive applications. Popular in European and Asian engineering contexts. Use our force converter to convert kilogram-force to newtons, pounds-force, and other units instantly.

Quick Comparison Table

Definition

Kilogram-force (kgf) is the force exerted by one kilogram of mass under standard gravity (9.80665 m/s²).

Formula: 1 kgf = 1 kg × 9.80665 m/s²

Conversions:

• 1 kgf = 9.80665 N (newtons)
• 1 kgf = 0.00980665 kN (kilonewtons)
• 1 kgf = 2.204623 lbf (pounds-force)
• 1 kgf = 1,000 gf (gram-force)
• 1 kgf = 980,665 dynes
• 1 kgf = 35.274 ozf (ounce-force)

History

Kilogram-force emerged from the meter-kilogram-second gravitational system (MKS), which was used extensively in engineering before the adoption of SI units in the 1960s. In German-speaking countries and parts of Europe, it was called "kilopond" (kp), from the Latin word for weight. Despite the official adoption of the newton as the SI unit of force in 1960, kilogram-force remains prevalent in many engineering disciplines, particularly in automotive torque specifications, hydraulic systems, material testing, and construction equipment. Many Asian and European countries continue to use kgf in technical documentation and consumer products.

Common Uses

Automotive Engineering: Torque specifications (kgf·m), suspension loads, brake force.

Hydraulic Systems: Pressure ratings (kgf/cm² = 1 technical atmosphere).

Material Testing: Tensile strength, compression testing, hardness measurements.

Construction: Structural loads, lifting equipment capacity, crane ratings.

Consumer Products: Weight capacity labels, exercise equipment resistance.

Real-World Examples

Everyday Forces:

• Laptop computer weight: ~2 kgf
• Gallon of water: ~3.8 kgf
• Car tire weight: ~8-12 kgf
• Bicycle weight: ~10-15 kgf
• Average adult person: ~60-80 kgf
• Large dog: ~30-40 kgf

Automotive Applications:

• Wheel lug nut torque: 10-12 kgf·m (Nm)
• Engine head bolt torque: 8-15 kgf·m
• Brake caliper force: 500-1,500 kgf
• Clutch pedal force: 10-30 kgf
• Hood lift support: 5-20 kgf
• Small car weight: ~1,000-1,200 kgf

Industrial Equipment:

• Hydraulic press: 1,000-100,000 kgf
• Pneumatic cylinder: 100-10,000 kgf
• Vise grip force: 50-500 kgf
• Torque wrench range: 1-100 kgf·m
• Material testing machine: 1,000-50,000 kgf
• Crane lifting capacity: 500-20,000 kgf