Convert Piconewtons to Kilogram-Force
Convert Piconewtons (pN) to Kilogram-Force (kgf) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
kgf = pN × 1.019716213e-13
About Piconewtons
A piconewton (pN) is 10⁻¹² N - the force scale of molecular biology and nanotechnology. Optical and magnetic tweezers apply 0.1-100 pN forces to single DNA strands and protein complexes. Unzipping one DNA base pair requires ~10-15 pN; a kinesin motor protein stalls at ~7 pN. AFM cantilevers resolve piconewton van der Waals forces between single atoms and surfaces. The covalent C-C bond ruptures under ~4,000 pN in controlled AFM pulling experiments. These forces underpin mechanobiology, drug-target mechanics, and nanofabrication. 1 pN = 10⁻¹² N.
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.
Quick Reference Table
| Piconewtons (pN) | Kilogram-Force (kgf) |
|---|---|
| 1 pN | 1.02 × 10-13 kgf |
| 2 pN | 2.039 × 10-13 kgf |
| 5 pN | 5.099 × 10-13 kgf |
| 10 pN | 1.02 × 10-12 kgf |
| 25 pN | 2.549 × 10-12 kgf |
| 50 pN | 5.099 × 10-12 kgf |
| 100 pN | 1.02 × 10-11 kgf |