In 1 kip there are 999.99991 pound of force. Meanwhile in 1 pound of force there are 0.001 kip. Keep reading to learn more about each unit of measure and how they are calculated. Or just use the Pound of force to Kip calculator above to convert any number.
* Values rounded to 6 decimal places for readability
A kip (also written as kilopound-force, klbf) is a unit of force used in engineering. 1 kip equals 1,000 pounds-force (lbf). This makes it handy for large loads without big numbers.
To convert kip to pounds-force (lbf), use this direct formula:
Quick examples:
If you need to convert pounds-force to kip, reverse it:
A kip is a unit of force used in U.S. engineering. The word comes from “kilo-pound.” In force terms, 1 kip equals 1,000 pounds of force (lbf).
1 kip = 1,000 lbf.
To convert kips to pounds of force, multiply by 1,000.
Use this formula:
lbf = kip × 1,000
Example: 2.5 kip = 2.5 × 1,000 = 2,500 lbf.
Use this formula:
kip = lbf ÷ 1,000
Example: 12,000 lbf = 12,000 ÷ 1,000 = 12 kip.
Yes, in most structural work, “kip” means kip-force. You may also see kipf or kips (plural). They all refer to the same force unit: 1 kipf = 1,000 lbf.
lb can mean mass in everyday use, while lbf is force.
A kip is a unit of force. People may say “weight” in casual speech, but in engineering, weight is a force caused by gravity. That’s why kip matches lbf as a force unit.
Kips and pounds of force are U.S. customary force units. Newtons (N) are metric force units.
Useful conversions:
Kips keep numbers smaller and easier to read on plans and calcs. Many building loads are large, so using kips reduces long strings of zeros.
You’ll often see kips used for:
Yes. ksi means “kips per square inch.” It’s a stress unit.
Some drawings use k as shorthand for kip, but it can be unclear. In many fields, k also means “kilo” (1,000) of other units. When accuracy matters, write kip or kipf.
The most common error is mixing up pounds (lb) with pounds-force (lbf). For loads and reactions, treat the unit as force. The conversion stays the same: 1 kip = 1,000 lbf.
The Calculate Box tool to convert kip to pound of force uses the open source script Convert.js to convert units of measurement. To use this tool, simply type a kip value in the box and have it instantly converted to pound of force.