Convert Pound-Force to Kilogram-Force
Convert Pound-Force (lbf) to Kilogram-Force (kgf) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
kgf = lbf × 0.45359237
About Pound-Force
The pound-force (lbf) is the gravitational force on 1 lb-mass under standard gravity - exactly 4.4482216152605 N. It dominates US structural, mechanical, and aerospace engineering: AISC and ACI structural codes use lbf and kips (1 kip = 1,000 lbf); tire pressure 'psi' means lbf/in²; engine torque in lb·ft. Aircraft thrust is quoted in lbf: the GE90-115B (Boeing 777) produces 115,300 lbf = 513 kN. Spring rates, fastener torques, and load cell calibrations across North America are in lbf. 1 lbf = 4.44822 N = 16 ozf = 32.174 pdl.
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
| Pound-Force (lbf) | Kilogram-Force (kgf) |
|---|---|
| 1 lbf | 0.453592 kgf |
| 2 lbf | 0.907185 kgf |
| 5 lbf | 2.26796 kgf |
| 10 lbf | 4.53592 kgf |
| 25 lbf | 11.3398 kgf |
| 50 lbf | 22.6796 kgf |
| 100 lbf | 45.3592 kgf |