A pound-force is the weight of one pound under standard gravity: 4.4482 N. Thrust, spring forces and load ratings in pounds convert to newtons with this factor.
How to use the Pounds-Force to Newtons Converter
- Type the number of pounds-force into the Pounds-force field. Decimals such as 0.5 are fine.
- Read the answer in Newtons – it updates as you type, with no button to press.
- To convert the other way, type into Newtons and the pounds-force are recalculated.
- Press Copy results to copy both values with the page title, or Copy link to share this exact conversion.
This page converts only lbf ⇄ N. Need a different unit? Use the general force converter, where you can choose any “from” and “to” unit.
How it works
Both units measure force, so they are always in the same ratio: one pound-force equals 4.4482216 newtons. The calculator multiplies the number of pounds-force you type by 4.4482216 to give newtons, and when you type into the newtons field it divides by the same factor to give pounds-force. Because the ratio never changes, doubling the pounds-force always doubles the newtons. Results are calculated at full precision and rounded only for display (up to eight decimal places, with very large or small values shown in scientific notation).
How to convert pounds-force to newtons
- Write down the value in pounds-force, for example 1 lbf.
- Multiply by the conversion factor 4.4482216 (because 1 pound-force = 4.4482216 N).
- 1 × 4.4482216 = 4.4482216 N.
- To go back from newtons to pounds-force, divide by 4.4482216 – or multiply by 0.22480894.
lbf to N conversion table
| Pounds-force | Newtons | Newtons | Pounds-force |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 lbf | 4.4482216 N | 1 N | 0.22480894 lbf |
| 5 lbf | 22.241108 N | 2 N | 0.44961789 lbf |
| 10 lbf | 44.482216 N | 5 N | 1.1240447 lbf |
| 50 lbf | 222.41108 N | 10 N | 2.2480894 lbf |
| 100 lbf | 444.82216 N | 20 N | 4.4961789 lbf |
| 150 lbf | 667.23324 N | 50 N | 11.240447 lbf |
| 200 lbf | 889.64432 N | 100 N | 22.480894 lbf |
| 1,000 lbf | 4,448.2216 N | 1,000 N | 224.80894 lbf |
What is a pound-force?
A pound-force is the weight of one pound mass under standard gravity, about 4.448 N. Thrust and load ratings in the U.S. are given in lbf.
What is a newton?
The newton is the SI unit of force: the force that accelerates one kilogram at one metre per second squared. A small apple weighs about 1 N.
Quick mental conversion
For a fast estimate, multiply pounds-force by about 4.4 to get newtons; the error is about 1.1%. Use the calculator above when you need the exact figure.
Common mistakes to avoid
Confusing mass (kg, lb) with force (n, lbf, kgf); a kilogram is a mass, a kilogram-force is a force.
Formula
1 lbf = 4.4482216 N1 N = 0.22480894 lbfN = lbf × 4.4482216Worked example
Inputs — Pounds-force: 1 lbf.
Results — Newtons = 4.44822162 N.
Frequently asked questions
How many newtons is 1 lbf?
About 4.448 N.
How many newtons does a 150 lb person weigh?
About 667 N.
How do I convert pounds-force to newtons?
Multiply the number of pounds-force by 4.4482216. For example, 1 lbf × 4.4482216 = 4.4482216 N.
How do I convert newtons back to pounds-force?
Divide by 4.4482216 (or multiply by 0.22480894), or simply type the value into the newtons field above.
What is 10 lbf in newtons?
10 lbf = 44.482216 N.
What is 100 lbf in newtons?
100 lbf = 444.82216 N.
Is this conversion exact?
Yes. The factor comes from the official definitions of both units (NIST and the SI), so the only difference you may see is rounding in the last displayed digit.
Can I convert to other units on this page?
This page converts only between pounds-force and newtons. To pick any force unit, use the general force converter linked under Related calculators.
What formula does the Pounds-Force to Newtons Converter use?
1 lbf = 4.4482216 N.