A poundal is a unit of force in the foot–pound–second system, defined as the force needed to accelerate one avoirdupois pound at one foot per second squared.

Why convert poundal to centinewton?

Converting poundal to centinewton allows expressing small force magnitudes within the SI metric system, which is standard for precision measurements and modern technical applications.

Is the centinewton suitable for all force measurements?

Centinewton is best for representing small forces; very large forces may be more appropriately expressed in newtons or other larger SI units.

How to Convert from Poundal [pdl] to Centinewton [cN]

Learn how to accurately convert force values from poundal (pdl), a unit in the foot–pound–second system, to centinewton (cN), a small-scale metric force unit within the SI system. This guide covers the conversion formula, practical examples, and common applications.

Poundal [pdl]

Centinewton [cN]

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Poundal [pdl] to Centinewton [cN] Conversion Table

Poundal [pdl]	Centinewton [cN]

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Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

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Interval

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Poundal [pdl] to Centinewton [cN] Conversion Table
Poundal [pdl]	Centinewton [cN]

Explore More Force Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This converter helps users translate force measurements from poundal units, used mainly in the FPS system, to centinewtons, a metric unit suitable for measuring small forces precisely within the SI framework.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the force value in poundal units that you want to convert
Select poundal as the input unit and centinewton as the output unit
Click the convert button to obtain the equivalent force expressed in centinewtons
Review results and apply them in relevant measurement or reporting tasks

Key Features

Converts force values between poundal and centinewton units using a defined conversion factor
Supports applications in educational settings, legacy engineering, and precision force measurement
Provides clear examples demonstrating the conversion process
Browser-based and straightforward interface for ease of use

Examples

5 poundal [pdl] converts to approximately 69.13 centinewton [cN]
0.1 poundal [pdl] converts to approximately 1.38 centinewton [cN]

Common Use Cases

Educational exercises and classical mechanics problems using FPS units
Interpreting and converting older engineering, ballistics, or archival technical data
Calibrating small force measurements from sensors and force gauges
Measuring the holding force of adhesives and small springs
Specifying contact forces in buttons and small mechanical interfaces in consumer devices

Tips & Best Practices

Use this converter to express small force values more conveniently within the SI system
Verify unit selections carefully to avoid conversion errors
Apply conversion results when dealing with legacy force data requiring metric representation
Consider larger SI units, like newtons, when dealing with forces beyond small magnitudes

Limitations

Poundal is a non-SI legacy unit, so conversions can introduce minor rounding inaccuracies
Centinewton is designed for small forces and may not be suitable for very large force values
For large forces, expressing values directly in newtons or larger SI units may be preferable

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a poundal?: A poundal is a unit of force in the foot–pound–second system, defined as the force needed to accelerate one avoirdupois pound at one foot per second squared.
Why convert poundal to centinewton?: Converting poundal to centinewton allows expressing small force magnitudes within the SI metric system, which is standard for precision measurements and modern technical applications.
Is the centinewton suitable for all force measurements?: Centinewton is best for representing small forces; very large forces may be more appropriately expressed in newtons or other larger SI units.

Key Terminology

Poundal [pdl]: A unit of force in the FPS system representing the force that produces an acceleration of 1 foot per second squared on a mass of one avoirdupois pound.
Centinewton [cN]: A metric unit of force equal to one hundredth of a newton, used to quantify small force magnitudes within the SI system.
Foot–pound–second (FPS) system: A system of units that uses feet, pounds, and seconds as base measures, historically used in classical mechanics and some engineering fields.

Quick Knowledge Check

What does 1 poundal equal in centinewtons?

Approximately 0.138255 cN

Approximately 13.8255 cN

Approximately 100 cN

In which system is the poundal primarily used?

Metric system

Foot–pound–second (FPS) system

International System of Units (SI)

What is a common application of centinewton units?

Measuring very large industrial forces

Calibrating small force sensors and load cells

Calculating acceleration of large masses

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