lbf to N Converter (Pound-Force to Newtons)
Type in any box — lbf, N, kN, kip or kgf — and the others update instantly. 1 lbf = 4.4482216152605 N exactly.
Conversion formula
The pound-force is defined as the force exerted by standard gravity (g₀ = 9.80665 m/s²) on a mass of one avoirdupois pound (0.45359237 kg). Multiplying the two gives exactly 4.4482216152605 N. Likewise, one kilogram-force is the weight of 1 kg under standard gravity, 9.80665 N. The kip (kilo-pound) is common in US structural engineering for loads on beams, columns and bolts.
Worked example
A bolt is rated for a tensile load of 2,500 lbf. In newtons that is 2,500 × 4.44822 = 11,120.6 N, or 11.12 kN. In kip it is 2.5 kip. Going the other way, a 50 kN design load equals 50,000 / 4.44822 = 11,240.4 lbf (11.24 kip).
lbf to N table
| lbf | N | kN | kgf | kip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4.4482 | 0.00445 | 0.4536 | 0.001 |
| 2 | 8.8964 | 0.00890 | 0.9072 | 0.002 |
| 5 | 22.2411 | 0.02224 | 2.2680 | 0.005 |
| 10 | 44.4822 | 0.04448 | 4.5359 | 0.01 |
| 20 | 88.9644 | 0.08896 | 9.0718 | 0.02 |
| 50 | 222.4111 | 0.22241 | 22.6796 | 0.05 |
| 100 | 444.8222 | 0.44482 | 45.3592 | 0.1 |
| 200 | 889.6443 | 0.88964 | 90.7185 | 0.2 |
| 500 | 2,224.1108 | 2.22411 | 226.7962 | 0.5 |
| 1,000 | 4,448.2216 | 4.44822 | 453.5924 | 1 |
| 2,000 | 8,896.4432 | 8.89644 | 907.1847 | 2 |
| 5,000 | 22,241.1081 | 22.24111 | 2,267.9619 | 5 |
| 10,000 | 44,482.2162 | 44.48222 | 4,535.9237 | 10 |
N to lbf table
| N | lbf | kgf |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.2248 | 0.1020 |
| 5 | 1.1240 | 0.5099 |
| 10 | 2.2481 | 1.0197 |
| 50 | 11.2404 | 5.0986 |
| 100 | 22.4809 | 10.1972 |
| 500 | 112.4045 | 50.9858 |
| 1,000 | 224.8089 | 101.9716 |
| 5,000 | 1,124.0447 | 509.8581 |
| 10,000 | 2,248.0894 | 1,019.7162 |
lbf vs lb vs lbm
"lb" is often used loosely for both mass and force. Strictly, lbm (pound-mass) is a unit of mass and lbf is a unit of force. On Earth under standard gravity, a 1 lbm object weighs 1 lbf, which is why the two are confused. In SI, mass (kg) and force (N) are always distinct: a 1 kg mass weighs 9.80665 N. When reading torque specs, ft·lbf × 1.35582 = N·m.
Where you will see these units
- Aerospace: jet engine thrust is quoted in lbf (US) or kN (Europe). A 27,000 lbf engine produces about 120 kN.
- Structural: US codes use kip and ksi; Eurocodes use kN and MPa.
- Testing: tensile testers and load cells are often calibrated in kgf, lbf or N.
Frequently asked questions
How many newtons is 1 lbf?
1 lbf = 4.4482216152605 N, usually rounded to 4.448 N.
How do I convert N to lbf?
Divide newtons by 4.44822, or multiply by 0.224809. For example, 100 N = 22.48 lbf.
What is a kip?
A kip is 1,000 pounds-force (4.44822 kN), used in US structural and civil engineering.
Is kgf the same as kg?
No. kg is mass; kgf is the weight of 1 kg under standard gravity, 9.80665 N. Scales display kg because they assume standard gravity.
How do I convert ft·lbf of torque to N·m?
Multiply by 1.35582. For example, 100 ft·lbf = 135.6 N·m.