Convert Stokes to Square Centimeters per Second

Formula

cm²/s = St × 1

Derivation from SI units:

• 1 St = 1 cm²/s = 10⁻⁴ m²/s
• 1 cm²/s = 10⁻⁴ m²/s = 1 St
• 1 St = 0.0001 m²/s ÷ 0.0001 m²/s per cm²/s = 1 cm²/s

Both units are defined exactly, so the factor is exact. Stokes definition: stokes; Square Centimeter per Second definition: square centimeter per second.

Worked examples

1. A reading of 0.5 St converts to 0.5 cm²/s.
   0.5 St × 1 = 0.5 cm²/s
2. A value of 5 St is 5 cm²/s.
   5 St × 1 = 5 cm²/s

Where it's used

Stokes are used for older physics and fluid-mechanics references, while square centimeters per second appear in diffusion coefficients (gases in air ≈ 0.1–0.2 cm²/s). Both measure kinematic viscosity (dynamic viscosity divided by density), so the conversion is a fixed factor.

Stokes to other kinematic viscosity units

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI), NIST Special Publication 811, 2008 Edition, National Institute of Standards and Technology , Appendix B.8, "stokes (St)".
• The International System of Units (SI), 9th edition (SI Brochure), Bureau International des Poids et Mesures , Table 2 with SI prefix centi.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-15. Factors are stored exactly and computed with 50-digit decimal arithmetic. See how we verify conversion factors.