1 daN (decanewton) corresponds to approximately 1.02 kilograms – as a rule of thumb: 1 daN ≈ 1 kg. A lashing strap marked LC 2500 daN can therefore withstand a force in a straight pull equivalent to the weight of approximately 2,500 kg. Important: daN is a unit of force, while kilograms are a unit of mass – why this distinction matters for load securing and how to correctly interpret the information on your lashing strap label is explained in this article.
What Does daN Mean? The Unit Explained Simply
The abbreviation daN stands for decanewton. “Deca” is the Greek prefix for ten – one decanewton therefore corresponds to exactly 10 newtons (N), the international unit of force.
And this is the crucial point: daN describes a force, not a weight. Strictly speaking, a lashing strap does not “carry” kilograms; it withstands tensile force. This tensile force is generated during transport by the inertial forces of the cargo – for example during braking, acceleration, or cornering.
There is a practical reason why daN has become the standard unit in load securing: Gravity exerts a weight force of approximately 9.81 newtons on a mass of 1 kg – almost exactly 1 daN. This means that daN and kg can be converted almost 1:1 in everyday practice without losing sight of the underlying physical relationship.
Converting daN to kg: Formula and Rule of Thumb
For the exact conversion, you need the acceleration due to gravity (g = 9.81 m/s²):
kg = daN × 10 ÷ 9.81 → simplified: kg ≈ daN × 1.02
And in the other direction:
daN = kg × 9.81 ÷ 10 → simplified: daN ≈ kg × 0.98
The practical rule of thumb is: 1 daN ≈ 1 kg. The deviation of around 2% is negligible for everyday work – especially since the actual design of load securing systems is calculated with safety margins in accordance with DIN EN 12195-1.
Conversion Table: daN to kg
| Force | Weight Equivalent | Rule of Thumb |
|---|---|---|
| 25 daN | 25.5 kg | 25 kg |
| 50 daN | 51 kg | 50 kg |
| 100 daN | 102 kg | 100 kg |
| 250 daN | 255 kg | 250 kg |
| 400 daN | 408 kg | 400 kg |
| 500 daN | 510 kg | 500 kg |
| 750 daN | 765 kg | 750 kg |
| 1,000 daN | 1,019 kg | 1,000 kg |
| 2,000 daN | 2,039 kg | 2,000 kg |
| 2,500 daN | 2,548 kg | 2,500 kg |
| 4,000 daN | 4,077 kg | 4,000 kg |
| 5,000 daN | 5,097 kg | 5,000 kg |
| 10,000 daN | 10,194 kg | 10,000 kg |
Here is how to calculate intermediate values quickly in your head: Simply multiply the daN value by 1.02 – or use a 1:1 conversion to kilograms for a quick estimate. Example: A strap with LC 1500 daN corresponds to approximately 1,530 kg, or 1.5 tonnes as a rule of thumb. For the reverse conversion (kg to daN), multiply by 0.98 – or simply round to approximately the same numerical value.
daN on the Lashing Strap Label: Understanding LC, STF and SHF
Every standardized lashing strap manufactured in accordance with DIN EN 12195-2 has a label containing several values stated in daN. The three most important are:
LC – Lashing Capacity
LC is the maximum tensile force that the lashing strap is permitted to withstand in a straight pull – the key performance value of every strap. A strap with LC 2500 daN can withstand a force in a straight pull equivalent to the weight of approximately 2,500 kg. When used in a loop, the value doubles because both strap sections carry the load: LC 2500 daN becomes LC 5000 daN in this configuration – which is why both values are shown on many labels.
STF – Standard Tension Force
STF indicates the pre-tensioning force applied to the strap through the ratchet when it is tensioned using standard hand force. Typical values range between 250 and 500 daN. For tie-down lashing – the most commonly used lashing method – STF is the decisive value, not LC! This is because the cargo is secured by increasing downward pressure and friction.
SHF – Standard Hand Force
SHF is the standardized hand force of 50 daN (approximately 50 kg-force) used to determine the stated STF value. It serves as a reference value and shows that the specified pre-tensioning force can be achieved without extensions or additional aids – which, incidentally, are not permitted.
The Most Common Misconception: LC Is Not the Permissible Load Weight
Does a strap with LC 2500 daN automatically secure 2.5 tonnes of cargo? No – and in practice, this is one of the most dangerous misconceptions in load securing. How much cargo a lashing strap can actually secure depends on the lashing method:
With direct lashing (e.g. diagonal lashing), the cargo is held in position via the lashing points. In this case, LC is the relevant value – and because several straps act on the load at different angles, a large mass can be secured with relatively few straps.
With tie-down lashing, on the other hand, the cargo is held on the loading surface primarily by friction. The decisive factors here are the pre-tensioning force (STF) and the coefficient of friction between the cargo and the loading surface – LC plays practically no role in determining the securing effect. A strap with an STF of 350 daN often provides a securing effect equivalent to only a few hundred kilograms, depending on the coefficient of friction. This is why tie-down lashing usually requires significantly more straps than many people assume – or the use of anti-slip mats, which can increase the coefficient of friction to µ = 0.6 and drastically reduce the number of straps required.
You can find out how to determine the coefficient of friction correctly in our article on determining the coefficient of friction: tables, practical values, and common mistakes.
Practical Examples: Which Lashing Strap for Which Load?
Example 1 – Furniture and crates in a van: For lightweight cargo, 25 mm lashing straps with an LC of 400–750 daN are often sufficient. They are easy to handle, quick to tension, and gentle on sensitive surfaces.
Example 2 – Pallets and machinery on a truck: The classic choice is a 50 mm lashing strap with LC 2500 daN and an STF of 250–500 daN – the standard piece of equipment in everyday freight transport.
Example 3 – Heavy machinery and steel: For heavy loads, 75 mm straps with LC 5000 daN (10,000 daN when used with two load-bearing strap legs) are used, ideally in combination with edge protectors that protect both the strap and the cargo from sharp edges.
You can find all variants – from 25 mm straps to 75 mm XXL lashing straps – in our lashing straps category.
Why Not Simply Print kg on the Strap?
Because that would be physically incorrect – and potentially dangerous in a critical situation. During braking, forces of up to 80% of the cargo's weight force can act in the forward direction (0.8 g), while forces of 50% (0.5 g) can act sideways and to the rear. A lashing system therefore has to withstand forces that vary significantly depending on the driving situation – regardless of how many kilograms are standing on the loading surface. Stating performance in daN makes the capacity of lashing equipment uniformly comparable throughout Europe and forms the basis for calculations according to DIN EN 12195-1 and VDI 2700.
Safety First: Only Use Tested and Undamaged Straps
Even the best daN rating is of no use if the strap is damaged. Check your lashing straps before every use for cuts, broken fibers, deformed fittings, and clearly legible labels. You can find out when a strap must finally be taken out of service in our guide to discard criteria for lashing straps. All Sandax lashing straps are TÜV tested and comply with DIN EN 12195-2 – for maximum safety on every journey.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About daN and kg
How many kg is 1 daN?
1 daN corresponds to exactly 1.019 kg. In practice, the rule of thumb is: 1 daN ≈ 1 kg.
How many kg is 2500 daN?
2500 daN corresponds to approximately 2,548 kg. As a rule of thumb: about 2.5 tonnes. A lashing strap with LC 2500 daN can therefore withstand a force in a straight pull equivalent to the weight of approximately 2.5 tonnes.
What does daN mean on a ratchet strap?
daN stands for decanewton (= 10 newtons) and indicates the force that the strap can withstand. The most important value is LC (Lashing Capacity) – the maximum permissible lashing force in a straight pull.
Is daN the same as kg?
No. daN is a unit of force, while kg is a unit of mass. However, because the weight force of 1 kg on Earth is almost exactly 1 daN, the two numerical values can be treated as approximately equal for everyday estimates.
How many lashing straps do I need for my load?
That depends on the lashing method, cargo weight, coefficient of friction, and pre-tensioning force (STF) – not on LC alone. With tie-down lashing, anti-slip mats significantly increase friction and reduce the number of straps required. The formulas in DIN EN 12195-1 provide a basis for calculating the required securing measures.