Poundal to Pound-force Conversion

Convert between Poundal and Pound-force quickly and accurately.

pdl
lbf

How to Convert Poundal to Pound-force

Conversion Formula

1 pdl = 0.031 lbf
1 lbf = 32.174 pdl

Example

Convert 15 pdl to lbf:

15 pdl = 15 × 0.031 lbf = 0.466 lbf

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

Pound-force

lbf

Definition

Pound-force represents the gravitational force exerted on a mass of one pound under standard gravity conditions. It equals approximately 4.45 Newtons and is commonly used in engineering applications, particularly in the United States and other countries using imperial units.

History/Origin

Pound-force was widely used in engineering before the Newton became the standard SI unit. It provided an intuitive way to express forces in terms of familiar mass units. The unit was particularly popular in US engineering practices and remains in use in many applications.

Current Use

Still widely used in engineering applications, particularly in the United States. Common in mechanical engineering for torque specifications and in automotive applications. Used in material testing and in many industrial processes where the relationship to mass is important.

Multiplier

4.448

Offset

0

Poundal to Pound-force Conversion Table

Poundal [pdl] Pound-force [lbf]
1 pdl 0.031081 lbf
10 pdl 0.31081 lbf
25 pdl 0.777024 lbf
50 pdl 1.554048 lbf
100 pdl 3.108095 lbf
0 pdl 0E+0 lbf
-10 pdl -0.31081 lbf
-40 pdl -1.243238 lbf