How this calculator works
The pound-force is defined from the international pound and standard gravity. One pound is exactly 0.45359237 kg, and standard gravity is 9.80665 m/s2, so one pound-force is exactly 4.4482216152605 N. The converter divides by this factor or multiplies by it, depending on the direction.
Formula
newtons = pounds-force x 4.4482216152605. pounds-force = newtons / 4.4482216152605. Kilonewtons are 1,000 newtons.
Worked example
10 lbf = 10 x 4.4482216152605 = 44.4822 N. 100 N = 100 / 4.4482216152605 = 22.4809 lbf.
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Frequently asked questions
Does this convert pounds of mass?
No. This page converts force. A pound of mass weighs about one pound-force under standard gravity, but mass and force are different dimensions.
Why is the factor not exactly 4.45?
The legal pound and standard gravity are both exact, and their product is 4.4482216152605 N. Rounding to 4.45 introduces an error of about 0.04 percent.
Can a force be negative?
Yes. A negative value means the force points in the opposite direction to the positive axis. The conversion keeps the sign.