Lbs to Newtons Converter
Use our free pounds-force to newtons converter to instantly convert pound-force (lbf) to newtons (N). Enter a force value in pounds-force to get the equivalent force in newtons, with the standard conversion formula and examples.
What is a Pounds-Force to Newtons Converter?
A pounds-force to newtons converter is a tool that converts force measured in pound-force (lbf) into newtons (N). Pound-force is commonly used in some US engineering and mechanical contexts, while the newton is the SI (metric) unit of force used internationally.
People often ask whether pounds and newtons are the same, but they’re not. “Pounds” can refer to pounds-mass (lb) or pounds-force (lbf), while newtons measure force. This converter focuses on pound-force (lbf) to newtons (N), which is the correct comparison for force.
Pound-Force to Newtons Formula
To convert pound-force (lbf) to newtons (N), multiply the force in lbf by 4.4482216152605.
This conversion factor is based on standard gravity (g₀). For most uses, rounding to 2–4 decimals is sufficient.
A quick reference: 1 pound-force equals about 4.4482 newtons.
If your “lbs” value is intended as pound-force, then 1 converts to about 4.4482 N.
How to Convert Lbf to Newtons
- 1
Confirm your value is a force in pound-force (lbf) (not pounds of mass).
- 2
Enter the force in lbf into the lbs to newtons calculator.
- 3
Multiply the lbf value by 4.4482216152605.
- 4
Round the result if needed to match your precision requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Newtons (N) measure force in SI units. “Pounds” can mean pounds-mass (lb) or pounds-force (lbf). For force, compare lbf to N using the standard conversion.
If the pounds value represents pound-force (lbf), multiply by 4.4482216152605: N = lbf × 4.4482216152605.
1 lbf equals exactly 4.4482216152605 N (about 4.4482 N rounded).
1 newton equals about 0.224809 lbf. (That’s the inverse of the lbf-to-newton factor.)
No. Pound-force (lbf) is force. Foot-pounds (ft·lbf) is torque (or work/energy). Converting foot-pounds to newton-meters is a different conversion than lbf to N.