Distributed Load Converter
Convert linear loads (kN/m ↔ lbf/ft) and area loads (kPa ↔ psf).
Inputs
kN/m
N/m
About Distributed Load Units
- Linear (line) load [kN/m or lbf/ft] represents force per unit length applied along a beam or wall. Area (surface) load [kPa or psf] represents force per unit area applied over a floor, slab or soil surface.
- In SI structural engineering, floor live loads and snow loads are specified in kPa. 1 kPa = 1 kN/m² is an exact equivalence — kilopascal and kilonewton per square metre are the same unit, just written differently.
- In US practice, psf (pounds per square foot) is used for floor loads, snow and wind pressures. ASCE 7 specifies minimum live loads in psf: offices = 50 psf (2.39 kPa), residential = 40 psf (1.92 kPa).
- Quick reference: 1 kN/m = 1,000 N/m = 68.5218 lbf/ft · 1 lbf/ft = 14.5939 N/m · 1 kPa = 1 kN/m² = 20.8854 psf · 1 psf = 47.8803 Pa.
| 单位 | 换算关系 |
|---|---|
| kN/m → N/m | × 1,000 |
| kN/m → lbf/ft | × 68.5218 |
| lbf/ft → N/m | × 14.5939 |
| kPa → Pa | × 1,000 |
| kPa = kN/m² | 完全等价 |
| kPa → psf | × 20.8854 |
| psf → Pa | × 47.8803 |