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

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

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Conversion:

1 Poundal (pdl) = 0.031080950172 Pound-force (lbf)

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

1 pdl = 0.031080950172 lbf

1 lbf = 32.174048556 pdl

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

25 pdl = 0.77702375429 lbf

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

Poundal (pdl)Pound-force (lbf)
0.01 pdl0.00031080950172 lbf
0.1 pdl0.0031080950172 lbf
1 pdl0.031080950172 lbf
2 pdl0.062161900343 lbf
3 pdl0.093242850515 lbf
5 pdl0.15540475086 lbf
10 pdl0.31080950172 lbf
20 pdl0.62161900343 lbf
50 pdl1.5540475086 lbf
100 pdl3.1080950172 lbf
1000 pdl31.080950172 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.

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.