Convert Poundal to Slug
Convert poundals to slugs instantly. 1 poundal = 0.0009652469 slug — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Slug to Poundal converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Poundal
The poundal (pdl) is the FPS absolute unit of force; its mass-equivalent on this scale is about 0.0141 kg.
Defined in the foot-pound-second absolute system in the late 19th century.
Early 20th-century physics and engineering.
Introduced in the absolute FPS system as an alternative to gravitational units.
Slug
The slug is the mass that accelerates at 1 ft/s^2 under a force of one pound-force, about 14.59 kg.
Coined in the early 20th century for the British gravitational (engineering) system.
US and British engineering dynamics.
Introduced in the British gravitational system of units.
Poundal to Slug conversion formula
The relationship between poundals and slugs:
To convert poundals to slugs, multiply the value in poundals by 0.0009652469. To reverse, multiply slugs by 1036.0043609585.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in slugs updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Slug to Poundal converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert poundals to slugs
- Write down the value in poundals (pdl).
- Multiply that value by the factor 0.0009652469.
- The product is the equivalent value in slugs (slug).
- To reverse, multiply the slug value by 1036.0043609585.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 pdl to slug:
1 × 0.0009652469 = 0.0009652469 slug
Example 2 — Convert 100 pdl to slug:
100 × 0.0009652469 = 0.0965246902 slug
Real-world example — Ruler-scale measurements
A 30-poundal school ruler converts cleanly to slugs — useful when buying a desk accessory from a retailer whose product specs use a different unit.
30 pdl × 0.0009652469 = 0.0289574071 slug
Real-world example — Hardware-scale dimensions
A 10-poundal fastener or component is about as long as a thumbnail. Mechanics and DIY enthusiasts convert between poundals and slugs daily when mixing metric and imperial tools.
10 pdl × 0.0009652469 = 0.009652469 slug
Real-world example — Postcard and small-object dimensions
A postcard is about 5 poundals wide. Converting to slugs is essential for international postal addressing forms that ask for dimensions in different units across countries.
5 pdl × 0.0009652469 = 0.0048262345 slug
Poundal to Slug conversion table
Standard reference values for converting poundals to slugs:
| Poundal [pdl] | Slug [slug] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 9.652469e-6 |
| 0.1 | 9.652469e-5 |
| 1 | 0.0009652469 |
| 2 | 0.0019304938 |
| 3 | 0.0028957407 |
| 4 | 0.0038609876 |
| 5 | 0.0048262345 |
| 10 | 0.009652469 |
| 20 | 0.019304938 |
| 30 | 0.0289574071 |
| 40 | 0.0386098761 |
| 50 | 0.0482623451 |
| 100 | 0.0965246902 |
| 500 | 0.4826234511 |
| 1000 | 0.9652469021 |
Frequently asked questions
How many slugs is 1 poundal?
How do I convert poundals to slugs?
How do I convert slugs back to poundals?
How many slugs is 100 poundals?
Popular weight unit conversions
Convert Poundal to other weight units
Show all Poundal conversions
Metric / SI (18 units)
Avoirdupois (15 units)
Troy & Apothecary (10 units)
Indian / South Asian (6 units)
Scientific / Atomic (9 units)
Astronomical (4 units)
Biblical / Ancient (14 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 pdl = 0.0009652469 slug) verified against the following authoritative sources:
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI Brochure 9th ed.)
Official BIPM publication defining the seven SI base units (including the meter) and the rules for their use. The global authority on units of measurement.
- NIST — Guide to the SI
US National Institute of Standards and Technology reference covering the SI base and derived units with definitions and usage rules for US technical practice.
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units
Detailed NIST guide covering exact conversion factors between SI and US customary units along with formatting and rounding conventions.
- NIST — Refinement of values for the yard and pound (Federal Register 1959)
The treaty (signed by US
- International Hydrographic Organization — Resolution on the Nautical Mile
International authority that standardised the nautical mile at exactly 1852 m in 1929 — the value adopted worldwide for sea and air navigation.