9,806.65
Pa
9.8067
kPa
0.098066
bar
98.067
mbar
9,806.65
Pa
9.8067
kPa
0.098066
bar
98.067
mbar
The Centimeters of Water to Pascals Converter converts pressure from centimeters of water column (cmH&sub2;O) to Pascals (Pa). The conversion factor is 1 cmH&sub2;O = 98.0665 Pa. This unit is based on the hydrostatic pressure exerted by a column of water at 4°C — the temperature at which water reaches its maximum density.
Centimeters of water is a common pressure unit in respiratory medicine, where airway pressures and ventilator settings are specified in cmH&sub2;O. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines for sleep apnea typically operate at 4–20 cmH&sub2;O (392–1,961 Pa). Mechanical ventilators in intensive care units set peak inspiratory pressures, PEEP (positive end-expiratory pressure), and driving pressures in cmH&sub2;O.
In HVAC and building science, duct pressures and building pressure differentials are measured in water column units. A well-designed HVAC duct system maintains static pressure of 2–6 cmH&sub2;O (196–588 Pa). Building pressurization for smoke control requires pressure differences of 2.5–5 cmH&sub2;O across fire barriers.
In hydrology and environmental engineering, water table levels and soil moisture tensions are sometimes expressed in centimeters of water. This provides an intuitive understanding — 100 cmH&sub2;O of pressure is literally the weight of a 1-meter column of water. Our converter provides output in both Pascals and kilopascals, covering the full range from medical devices to hydraulic engineering.
The formula: Pa = cmH&sub2;O × 98.0665. This derives from: 1 cmH&sub2;O = ρ × g × h = 999.972 kg/m³ × 9.80665 m/s² × 0.01 m ≈ 98.0665 Pa. The exact value uses water density at 4°C and standard gravity.
For kilopascals: kPa = Pa ÷ 1,000.
Reference values: 1 cmH&sub2;O = 98.07 Pa, 10 cmH&sub2;O = 980.7 Pa ≈ 0.981 kPa, 1,033.23 cmH&sub2;O = 1 atm. CPAP pressure range: 4–20 cmH&sub2;O (392–1,961 Pa). HVAC duct pressure: 2–6 cmH&sub2;O.
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Typical CPAP setting: 10 cmH₂O
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1 m of water column pressure
1 cmH₂O = 98.0665 Pa. This is the pressure exerted by a 1 cm column of water at 4°C under standard gravity.
Pa = cmH₂O × 98.0665. For example, 20 cmH₂O × 98.0665 = 1,961.33 Pa.
Water column pressure units provide an intuitive scale for the low pressures encountered in respiratory medicine. CPAP and ventilator pressures are small enough that cmH₂O gives convenient single or two-digit numbers.
CPAP machines typically operate between 4 and 20 cmH₂O. Most patients use pressures in the 8–12 cmH₂O range. Auto-CPAP machines adjust within a prescribed range.
1 cmH₂O ≈ 0.7356 mmHg. Conversely, 1 mmHg ≈ 1.3595 cmH₂O.
100 cmH₂O = 9,806.65 Pa ≈ 9.81 kPa. This is the pressure at 1 meter depth in fresh water.
No, it is not an SI unit, but it is widely accepted in medical and HVAC fields. The SI unit of pressure is the Pascal.
PEEP (Positive End-Expiratory Pressure) maintains airway pressure above atmospheric at end-expiration, typically 5–10 cmH₂O (490–981 Pa), to keep alveoli open and improve oxygenation.
Divide by 2.54 (since 1 inch = 2.54 cm). For example, 10 cmH₂O = 3.937 inH₂O.
The standard definition uses water at 4°C (39.2°F), where water density is maximum (999.972 kg/m³). At other temperatures, the conversion factor changes slightly.
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