Convert Poundal to Kilogram-Force

Convert Poundal (pdl) to Kilogram-Force (kgf) instantly and accurately.

Conversion Formula

kgf = pdl × 0.01409808185

About Poundal

The poundal (pdl) is the force unit of the foot-pound-second absolute system - the force to accelerate 1 pound at 1 ft/s² - approximately 0.1383 N. Introduced in 1877 by Thomson and Tait as the FPS analogue of the CGS dyne (1 dyn = 1 g·cm/s²; 1 pdl = 1 lb·ft/s²). The poundal is distinct from pound-force: since standard gravity = 32.174 ft/s², 1 lbf = 32.174 pdl. It survives in older British engineering texts and early 20th-century thermodynamics literature, but is otherwise obsolete. 1 pdl = 0.138254954376 N = 1/32.174 lbf.

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

→ Full Force Converter