gram-force [gf] Unit Converter

Definition of gram-force [gf] unit

A gram-force is a unit of force equal to the gravitational force exerted on a mass of one gram under standard gravity. It equals exactly 0.00980665 newtons, and is commonly abbreviated gf or g-f.

History of gram-force [gf] unit

The gram-force emerged from the centimetre-gram-second (CGS) gravitational system, which expressed force using the weight of a gram rather than an independently defined mass-acceleration relationship. Its value depended on the chosen gravitational acceleration, so it was approximate and varied by location. In 1901, the General Conference on Weights and Measures adopted standard gravity as 980.665 centimetres per second squared, establishing the gram-force as 980.665 dynes. With the adoption of the newton and SI units, gram-force became non-SI, although the standardized conversion remained widely documented and used in technical contexts.

Applications of gram-force [gf] unit

Today, gram-force appears mainly in legacy engineering references, small-force measurements, educational materials, and specifications for sensors, springs, and mechanical components. It may describe the force required to operate a button or the load measured by a compact instrument. Because SI units are preferred, modern documents generally give gram-force values alongside newtons, often using 1 gf ≈ 0.00980665 N.

Complete list of gram-force [gf] unit conversion