Force Converter

About This Tool

This Force Converter is an essential tool for physics students and mechanical engineers. It converts units of force, which is any interaction that, when unopposed, will change the motion of an object. A force can cause an object with mass to change its velocity (to accelerate). The base unit is the newton (N).

The tool covers the SI unit (newton), the imperial/U.S. customary gravitational unit (pound-force), and the older CGS unit (dyne). Understanding the difference between these units is crucial for solving problems in dynamics, statics, and material science.

Tips & Features

• The Newton: The newton (N) is the SI unit of force, defined as the force required to accelerate a one-kilogram mass at a rate of one meter per second squared (1 N = 1 kg·m/s²).
• Mass vs. Weight (Force): A common point of confusion is between mass (e.g., kilograms) and force (e.g., newtons). Mass is an intrinsic property of an object, while weight is the force of gravity acting on that mass. A 1 kg mass has a weight of about 9.8 N on Earth.
• Pound-force (lbf): This is the gravitational unit of force in the imperial system. It is the force exerted by gravity on a mass of one pound.