How to use it
- Under Conversion Direction, choose kN → Ton or Ton → kN.
- Type the force in the Value field. Use the figure for the force itself, not the weight in a different unit.
- Read both results: kN and Ton-force are shown together.
- Use the table below for common loads, or Share and Email to send the result to the lift team.
The formula
Ton-force = kN × 0.10197162. kN = ton-force × 9.80665. The result is the metric ton-force (tf), the weight of one tonne (1,000 kg) under standard gravity, which is 9.80665 kN.
Ton-force is not the same as ton mass
A load of 1 tonne mass weighs about 9.81 kN. Crane charts in tonnes give a mass limit, while anchor, lifting-eye, sling and structural ratings are often in kN as forces. A US short ton (2,000 lb) is not the same as a metric tonne: it is about 8.896 kN, so check which ton a foreign data sheet means before converting.
On a UAE site
Lifting plans for cranes and heavy rigging are normally in tonnes, while pile loads, anchor bolts and scaffold ties are rated in kN. Convert once, round down for a capacity and up for a load, and keep the working load limit of the weakest component as the controlling figure.
Worked examples
- A 100 kN anchor or lifting-point rating is 10.197 t.
- A 245 kN load on a sling or hook is 24.983 t.
- A 500 kN pile or crane outrigger load is 50.986 t.
- A 50 tonne lift puts a force of 490.333 kN on the rigging.
kN to ton-force table
Printable chart| Force (kN) | Ton-force (tf) |
|---|---|
| 10 | 1.02 t |
| 20 | 2.039 t |
| 50 | 5.099 t |
| 100 | 10.197 t |
| 150 | 15.296 t |
| 200 | 20.394 t |
| 245 | 24.983 t |
| 250 | 25.493 t |
| 300 | 30.591 t |
| 400 | 40.789 t |
| 500 | 50.986 t |
| 750 | 76.479 t |
| 1,000 | 101.972 t |
Values use 1 kN = 0.10197162 metric ton-force.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert kN to tons?
Multiply the kN by 0.10197 to get metric tons-force. Use the calculator above or find the nearest value in the table.
How many tons is 100 kN?
Just over 10 metric tons-force, which is 100 × 0.10197. The table above lists this and other common values.
How many tons is 245 kN?
About 25 metric tons-force. Enter 245 above for the exact figure.
How many kN is 1 ton?
1 metric ton-force is 9.80665 kN. For a rough check, multiply tons by 10 to get kN.
Is a kilonewton the same as a kilogram?
No. A kilonewton is a unit of force and a kilogram is a unit of mass. 1 kN is the weight of about 102 kg.
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