Convert Kilogram-Force to Centinewtons
Convert Kilogram-Force (kgf) to Centinewtons (cN) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
cN = kgf × 980.665
About Kilogram-Force
The kilogram-force (kgf), also called the kilopond (kp), is the gravitational force on 1 kg under standard gravity - exactly 9.80665 N. It was the primary force unit in continental European engineering before SI. ISO 1000 (1973) and EU Directive 80/181/EEC deprecated it in favour of the newton. Spring and bathroom scales reading in 'kg' technically measure kgf. Older DIN and JIS materials standards give tensile strength in kgf/mm² (× 9.80665 = MPa). Hydraulic cylinder ratings in legacy European machinery use kgf or tonne-force. 1 kgf = 9.80665 N = 2.20462 lbf.
About Centinewtons
A centinewton (cN) is exactly 0.01 N - the standard force unit of the textile industry. ISO and ASTM specs give fibre tenacity in cN/tex (centinewtons per tex, where 1 tex = 1 g/km): high-tenacity polyester 70-80 cN/tex; Kevlar/Twaron para-aramid 200-250 cN/tex; Dyneema/Spectra UHMWPE >350 cN/tex. Sewing thread breaking strength is 200-800 cN. Packaging tensile testers, adhesive peel-force instruments, and fine spring calibrators all report in cN. 1 cN ≈ 1 pond (0.980665 cN). 100 cN = 1 N.
Quick Reference Table
| Kilogram-Force (kgf) | Centinewtons (cN) |
|---|---|
| 1 kgf | 980.665 cN |
| 2 kgf | 1961.33 cN |
| 5 kgf | 4903.32 cN |
| 10 kgf | 9806.65 cN |
| 25 kgf | 24516.6 cN |
| 50 kgf | 49033.3 cN |
| 100 kgf | 98066.5 cN |