The kilonewton (abbreviation and symbol: kN) is the unit of force in metric system (SI). The kilonewton is equal to the amount of force needed to accelerate a one thousand kilograms mass at a rate of one meter per second squared. 1 kilonewton (kN)= 0.101971621 ton-force (tf, metric ton-force) = 101.971621 kilogram-force (kgf) = 224.808943 pound-force (lbf)