What is a poundal and where is it used?

A poundal is a force unit in the foot-pound-second system defined by the force accelerating one avoirdupois pound at one foot per second squared. It appears mainly in classical mechanics problems and legacy technical data.

What does kilogram-force represent?

Kilogram-force is a gravitational force unit equal to the force exerted by Earth's gravity on a one kilogram mass, commonly used in older engineering and mechanical load specifications.

How do I convert poundal to kilogram-force?

Multiply the value in poundals by the conversion factor 0.0140980819 to get the equivalent force in kilogram-force.

How to Convert from Poundal [pdl] to Kilogram-force [kgf]?

Learn how to convert force measurements from poundal (pdl) to kilogram-force (kgf). Understand the units, their typical uses, and the exact conversion rate between these two force units.

Poundal [pdl]

Kilogram-force [kgf]

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Poundal [pdl] to Kilogram-force [kgf] Conversion Table

Poundal [pdl]	Kilogram-force [kgf]

Custom Unit Conversion Table Generator – Instant Printable Conversion Tables

Start Value

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

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

Poundal [pdl] to Kilogram-force [kgf] Conversion Table
Poundal [pdl]	Kilogram-force [kgf]

Explore More Force Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This online converter enables users to transform force values from poundal (pdl), a unit in the foot-pound-second system, into kilogram-force (kgf), a gravitational force unit based on metric mass. It is designed to support engineering, educational, and legacy data interpretation needs.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the value in poundals you want to convert
Select poundal as the source unit and kilogram-force as the target unit
Click the convert button to obtain the equivalent force in kilogram-force
Review the result for use in your application or calculations

Key Features

Accurate conversion between poundal and kilogram-force units using standardized rates
Supports legacy and classical mechanics related unit conversions
Browser-based tool requiring no installation or advanced knowledge
Useful for engineering, ballistics, and mechanical load assessments

Examples

10 pdl = 10 × 0.0140980819 = 0.140980819 kgf
50 pdl = 50 × 0.0140980819 = 0.704904095 kgf

Common Use Cases

Converting forces in classical mechanics problems using FPS units to metric gravitational units
Interpreting legacy engineering data and archival technical documents expressed in poundals
Translating mechanical loads for tools and machinery rated in kilogram-force
Assessing scale readings or equipment specs where force is given as weight rather than mass

Tips & Best Practices

Ensure correct unit selection to avoid conversion errors
Use this tool to bridge older FPS unit data with modern metric systems
Remember the poundal is less common in modern contexts and kilogram-force is non-SI
Confirm compatibility of your final unit choice with regulatory or scientific standards

Limitations

Poundal belongs to the FPS system, which is rarely used in modern engineering
Kilogram-force is a non-SI unit and not accepted in formal scientific applications requiring strict SI units
Conversion constants depend on approximations involving standard gravity and mass, so minor variances might occur

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a poundal and where is it used?: A poundal is a force unit in the foot-pound-second system defined by the force accelerating one avoirdupois pound at one foot per second squared. It appears mainly in classical mechanics problems and legacy technical data.
What does kilogram-force represent?: Kilogram-force is a gravitational force unit equal to the force exerted by Earth's gravity on a one kilogram mass, commonly used in older engineering and mechanical load specifications.
How do I convert poundal to kilogram-force?: Multiply the value in poundals by the conversion factor 0.0140980819 to get the equivalent force in kilogram-force.

Key Terminology

Poundal [pdl]: A unit of force in the FPS system defined as the force accelerating one pound mass at one foot per second squared.
Kilogram-force [kgf]: A gravitational force unit equal to the force on a one kilogram mass under standard gravity.
Foot–pound–second (FPS) system: A system of units based on feet, pounds, and seconds historically used in engineering and classical mechanics.
Standard Gravity: The conventional acceleration due to gravity defined as 9.80665 meters per second squared used in defining gravitational force units.

Quick Knowledge Check

Which system uses the poundal unit of force?

International System of Units (SI)

Foot–pound–second (FPS) system

Metric system

One kilogram-force equals how many newtons?

9.80665 newtons

0.138255 newtons

1 newton

What is the approximate conversion factor from poundal to kilogram-force?

0.0141

0.1383

9.8067

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