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Pound-force (lbf) - Unit Information & Conversion

Symbol:lbf
Plural:pounds-force
Category:Force

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What is a Pound-force?

Pound-force (lbf) is the imperial unit of force, equal to the force exerted by one pound of mass in standard Earth gravity (9.80665 m/s²). Widely used in US engineering, automotive, and aerospace industries.

History of the Pound-force

Derived from the imperial system. Standardized in the 20th century for engineering applications. Remains the primary force unit in US engineering despite global SI adoption.

Quick Answer

What is Pound-force? A pound-force (lbf) is the force exerted by a one-pound mass in Earth's standard gravity. 1 lbf = 4.448 newtons. Common in US engineering for weight measurements, structural loads, thrust ratings, and mechanical specifications. Use our force converter to convert lbf to newtons, kilonewtons, and other units instantly.

Quick Comparison Table

Pounds-force Newtons kN Context Convert Now
1 4.448 0.004 Weight of 1 lb mass lbf to N →
10 44.48 0.044 Strong hand push lbf to N →
50 222.4 0.222 Tool force lbf to N →
154 686 0.686 70 kg person weight lbf to N →
1000 4448 4.448 1 kip lbf to kN →
3370 15000 15 Small car weight lbf to kN →

Definition

Pound-force (lbf) is the force exerted by one pound of mass under standard gravity (32.174 ft/s² or 9.80665 m/s²).

Conversions:

  • 1 lbf = 4.448222 N
  • 1 lbf = 0.453592 kgf
  • 1000 lbf = 1 kip
  • 1 lbf = 4.448 × 10⁵ dynes

Common Uses

Automotive: Weight specifications, brake force, suspension loads.

Aerospace: Thrust ratings (jet engines rated in lbf).

Structural Engineering: Building loads, beam capacity (often in kips = 1000 lbf).

Mechanical: Bolt torque specs, spring rates, tool forces.

Pound-force Conversion Formulas

To Newton:

1 lbf = 4.448222 N
Example: 5 pounds-force = 22.241108 newtons

To Millinewton:

1 lbf = 4448.221615 mN
Example: 5 pounds-force = 22241.108076 millinewtons

To Kilonewton:

1 lbf = 0.004448 kN
Example: 5 pounds-force = 0.022241 kilonewtons

To Meganewton:

1 lbf = 0.000004 MN
Example: 5 pounds-force = 0.000022 meganewtons

To Dyne:

1 lbf = 444822.161525 dyn
Example: 5 pounds-force = 2224110.807628 dynes

To Kilogram-force:

1 lbf = 0.453592 kgf
Example: 5 pounds-force = 2.267962 kilograms-force

To Gram-force:

1 lbf = 453.59237 gf
Example: 5 pounds-force = 2267.96185 grams-force

To Metric Ton-force:

1 lbf = 0.000454 tf
Example: 5 pounds-force = 0.002268 metric tons-force

To US Ton-force:

1 lbf = 0.0005 tonf
Example: 5 pounds-force = 0.0025 US tons-force

To UK Ton-force:

1 lbf = 0.000446 LTf
Example: 5 pounds-force = 0.002232 UK tons-force

To Poundal:

1 lbf = 32.174049 pdl
Example: 5 pounds-force = 160.870243 poundals

To Ounce-force:

1 lbf = 16 ozf
Example: 5 pounds-force = 80 ounces-force

To Kip:

1 lbf = 0.001 kip
Example: 5 pounds-force = 0.005 kips

Frequently Asked Questions

Formula: N = lbf × 4.448222 Examples:

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Need to convert Pound-force to other force units? Use our conversion tool.

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Pound-force Quick Info

lbf
Symbol:lbf
Category:Force
System:Various
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