Convert Pound-force (lbf) to Poundal (pdl)

Enter a value below to convert Pound-force (lbf) to Poundal (pdl).

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Conversion:

1 Pound-force (lbf) = 32.174048556 Poundal (pdl)

How to Convert Pound-force (lbf) to Poundal (pdl)

1 lbf = 32.174048556 pdl

1 pdl = 0.031080950172 lbf

Example: convert 15 Pound-force (lbf) to Poundal (pdl):

25 lbf = 804.35121391 pdl

Pound-force (lbf) to Poundal (pdl) Conversion Table

Pound-force (lbf)Poundal (pdl)
0.01 lbf0.32174048556 pdl
0.1 lbf3.2174048556 pdl
1 lbf32.174048556 pdl
2 lbf64.348097113 pdl
3 lbf96.522145669 pdl
5 lbf160.87024278 pdl
10 lbf321.74048556 pdl
20 lbf643.48097113 pdl
50 lbf1608.7024278 pdl
100 lbf3217.4048556 pdl
1000 lbf32174.048556 pdl

Pound-force (lbf)

Definition

A pound-force (lbf) is an imperial unit of force equal to the gravitational force on a mass of one avoirdupois pound under standard gravity. It equals approximately 4.44822 newtons.

History

The pound-force evolved from the English system of weights and measures. It became formalized as distinct from the pound-mass in the 19th century as engineers needed to differentiate between mass and force in calculations.

Current use

Pound-force is widely used in the United States and United Kingdom in engineering, aerospace, and manufacturing. Jet engine thrust, structural loads, and material strengths are frequently specified in lbf.

Poundal (pdl)

Definition

A poundal (pdl) is an imperial unit of force defined as the force needed to accelerate 1 pound-mass at 1 foot per second squared. It equals approximately 0.13826 newtons.

History

The poundal was introduced in the 19th century as an absolute unit in the foot-pound-second (FPS) system, allowing force calculations without the gravitational constant. It was used primarily in British physics and engineering education.

Current use

The poundal is rarely used in modern practice but may appear in older textbooks, academic exercises, and historical engineering literature, particularly in British and Commonwealth educational contexts.