The formula
N = dyn × 1 × 10⁻⁵
Where the factor comes from — each unit by its definition, then its size in SI:
1 dyn = g × cm / s² = 1 × 10⁻⁵ N1 N is the SI unit of force.
Dividing the two SI sizes gives the factor: 1 × 10⁻⁵, exact — every step above is a definition, not a measurement. The reverse factor is 100,000.
Force in SI is the newton (kg·m/s²). Kilogram-force and pound-force are the weights of a kilogram and a pound at standard gravity — gravity's conventional value, not your local one.
Worked examples
- The weight of a 1 kg mass at standard gravity (1 kgf): 980,665 dyn = 9.80665 N — 980,665 × 1 × 10⁻⁵ = 9.80665
- A firm push: 10,000,000 dyn = 100 N — 10,000,000 × 1 × 10⁻⁵ = 100
- The weight of a 10 lb bag at standard gravity (10 lbf): 4,448,220 dyn = 44.4822 N — 4,448,220 × 1 × 10⁻⁵ = 44.4822
- A towing load (5 kN): 500,000,000 dyn = 5,000 N — 500,000,000 × 1 × 10⁻⁵ = 5,000
Frequently asked questions
How many newtons is 1 dyn?
1 dyn = 1 × 10⁻⁵ N, exactly, from the unit definitions.
How do I convert newtons back to dynes?
Divide by 1 × 10⁻⁵ — or multiply by 100,000: 1 N = 100,000 dyn.