Kilogram-forces Conversion

The kilogram-force (kgf) is a fascinating unit of force that originates from the gravitational pull exerted on a mass of one kilogram at Earth’s surface. Though it’s not a part of the International System of Units, it has historical significance in fields such as engineering and physics. One kilogram-force is equivalent to approximately 9.80665 newtons, reflecting the acceleration due to Earth’s gravity at sea level.

Interestingly, the concept of kilogram-force harkens back to times when engineers needed a more intuitive way to express force without delving into the complexities of the then-emerging newtons. Its use has diminished with the universal adoption of newtons, but it still appears in various legacy systems and specific applications, especially in countries that historically avoided metrication.