Kilogram-force (kgf)

Definition

The force of one kilogram under standard gravity, exactly 9.80665 N.

History

The kilogram-force, also called the kilopond, is the weight of one kilogram under standard gravity, exactly 9.80665 newtons. It was common before the newton became standard.

Where it is used

Kilograms-force still appear in some engineering and in torque specifications outside the United States.

Typical uses include engineering outside the US, torque specs.

Conversion pages

These pages convert kilogram-force to or from another unit in force.

• Kilogram-force to newton

Other Force units

• Newton (N)
• Pound-force (lbf)
• Kilonewton (kN)

Sources

• NIST SP 811 NIST SP 811, App. B (force). lbf and kgf are exact via the pound/kilogram and standard gravity 9.80665 m/s² (CGPM 1901); SP 811 prints them rounded · Dataset reviewed Nov 11, 2026