kilogramforce

Kilogram-force (kgf) is a non-SI unit of force representing the force exerted by gravity on a mass of one kilogram in standard gravity. The symbol kgf is commonly used, sometimes written as kgF. By definition, 1 kgf equals the force on a 1 kilogram mass under standard gravity g0 of 9.80665 m/s^2, so 1 kgf = 9.80665 newtons. Consequently, 1 newton is about 0.10197162 kgf.

Kilogram-force is not part of the International System of Units (SI). In strict SI usage, force is measured in newtons, while kgf is a practical unit used in various engineering, construction, and older documentation. It is closely related to the older term kilopond (kp), which expresses the same amount of force. Depending on context, kgf is used to express weight, load, or thrust in a way that ties the measurement to a familiar mass.

Because the kilogram-force is defined via standard gravity, its value assumes a specific gravitational acceleration. If local gravity deviates from the standard, the corresponding kgf would differ. In modern engineering practice, the SI unit newton is generally preferred, and kgf remains primarily in legacy documents, equipment ratings, or regional usage.

Conversion: 1 kgf = 9.80665 N; 1 N ≈ 0.10197162 kgf. The kilogram-force thus provides a convenient bridge between mass and force in everyday contexts, even as SI-based measurements become standard in scientific and technical work.