Poundal to Kilonewton Conversion

Convert between Poundal and Kilonewton quickly and accurately.

pdl
kN

How to Convert Poundal to Kilonewton

Conversion Formula

1 pdl = 0 kN
1 kN = 7233.014 pdl

Example

Convert 15 pdl to kN:

15 pdl = 15 × 0 kN = 0.002 kN

Unit Information

Learn about the force units you're converting between

Poundal

pdl

Definition

The poundal is a unit of force in the foot-pound-second (FPS) system of units. It is defined as the force required to accelerate a mass of one pound at a rate of one foot per second squared. The poundal is equal to approximately 0.138 Newtons.

History/Origin

The poundal was introduced as part of the FPS (foot-pound-second) system of units in the 19th century. It was widely used in physics and engineering before the adoption of the MKS (meter-kilogram-second) system. The name comes from the combination of "pound" and "acceleration".

Current Use

Still used in some areas of physics and engineering, particularly in the United States. Common in some engineering applications where the FPS system is still used. Used in some scientific instruments and laboratory equipment that were designed using the FPS system.

Multiplier

0.138

Offset

0

Kilonewton

kN

Definition

A kilonewton equals 1,000 Newtons and is commonly used for larger force measurements in engineering applications. It provides a more convenient unit for expressing substantial forces without using large numbers. Kilonewtons are essential in structural engineering, automotive testing, and industrial applications.

History/Origin

The kilonewton emerged as a practical unit in engineering applications where forces exceed thousands of Newtons. It became standardized as part of the metric system's decimal prefixes. The prefix "kilo" (meaning thousand) was applied to create a more manageable unit for large force measurements.

Current Use

Extensively used in structural engineering for measuring building loads, bridge capacities, and foundation forces. Common in automotive industry for crash testing and safety ratings. Used in aerospace engineering for thrust measurements and in civil engineering for dam and bridge design calculations.

Multiplier

1000

Offset

0

Poundal to Kilonewton Conversion Table

Poundal [pdl] Kilonewton [kN]
1 pdl 0.000138 kN
10 pdl 0.001383 kN
25 pdl 0.003456 kN
50 pdl 0.006913 kN
100 pdl 0.013825 kN
0 pdl 0E+0 kN
-10 pdl -0.001383 kN
-40 pdl -0.00553 kN