Kilogram-force (kgf)
The kilogram-force, symbol kgf, defines a non-SI unit as the force Earth’s gravity exerts on one kilogram of mass at sea level, equal to 9.80665 newtons. Engineers and mechanics widely used it before the universal adoption of the SI. Today, users still find kilogram-force in older engineering documents, aviation, and certain regions. Its continued presence shows how mass-based and force-based units overlap, highlighting the transition from practical everyday measurements to the universal SI system.
Kilonewton (kN)
The kilonewton, symbol kN, equals 1,000 newtons. Engineers and construction professionals use it as a convenient unit for expressing large forces. They often measure the force exerted by vehicles, bridges, and aircraft components in kilonewtons. By using multiples of the newton, they maintain consistency with SI standards while reducing large numbers for practical readability. Civil engineers, aerospace professionals, and structural designers rely on the unit, where accurate force measurement is crucial for ensuring safety and optimal performance.