Kilogram-Force Meter to Newton-Meter Converter (kgf·m to N·m)

How to convert kilogram-force meters to newton-meters

Both kilogram-force meter (kgf·m) and newton-meter (N·m) are units of torque (moment of force). The newton-meter is the SI unit and should be used for all modern engineering work.

Formula: kgf·m → N·m

Start from the definition of kilogram-force: it is the force exerted by a 1 kg mass in Earth's standard gravity, \( g = 9.80665\ \text{m/s}^2 \).

Example: Convert 5 kgf·m to N·m.

1. Write the formula: N·m = 5 × 9.80665
2. Compute: 5 × 9.80665 = 49.03325

So, 5 kgf·m ≈ 49.03 N·m (to 2 decimal places).

Formula: N·m → kgf·m

To go the other way, divide by 9.80665:

Example: Convert 100 N·m to kgf·m.

1. Write the formula: kgf·m = 100 ÷ 9.80665
2. Compute: 100 ÷ 9.80665 ≈ 10.197

So, 100 N·m ≈ 10.20 kgf·m (to 2 decimal places).

What are kgf·m and N·m used for?

Torque is the rotational equivalent of force. It tells you how strongly a force tends to rotate an object around an axis.

• Newton-meter (N·m) – official SI unit of torque; used in standards, CAD/FEA, and modern datasheets.
• Kilogram-force meter (kgf·m) – older metric unit; still appears in some automotive manuals, industrial equipment, and legacy documentation.

Many torque wrenches, motor datasheets, and gear specifications may list values in kgf·m, N·m, or both. This converter lets you move between them accurately using the exact gravity constant 9.80665 m/s².

Common pitfalls and best practices

• Do not confuse kgf·m with kg·m – the latter is not a torque unit.
• Use N·m in calculations – if you are doing engineering analysis, convert all torques to N·m first.
• Keep enough significant figures – for design work, 3–4 decimal places in the conversion factor are usually sufficient.

FAQ

How do you convert kgf·m to N·m?

Multiply the value in kgf·m by 9.80665. For example, 2 kgf·m × 9.80665 ≈ 19.61 N·m.

Is kgf·m the same as N·m?

No. They measure the same physical quantity (torque), but 1 kgf·m is about 9.81 times larger than 1 N·m.

Why 9.80665 and not 9.8?

9.80665 m/s² is the internationally agreed standard value for Earth's gravity. Using it ensures consistent, reproducible conversions. For rough estimates, 9.8 is sometimes used, but this introduces small rounding errors.

Can I use this converter for kgf·cm or kgf·mm?

This page is specifically for kgf·m and N·m. To convert kgf·cm or kgf·mm, first convert the length to meters (e.g., 1 kgf·cm = 0.01 kgf·m), then apply the same factor 9.80665.