Convert Centimeters of Water to Baryes

Formula

Ba = cmH₂O × 980.665

Derivation from SI units:

• 1 cmH₂O = 1000 kg/m³ × 9.80665 m/s² × 0.01 m = 98.0665 Pa
• 1 Ba = 1 dyn/cm² = 10⁻⁵ N ÷ 10⁻⁴ m² = 0.1 Pa
• 1 cmH₂O = 98.0665 Pa ÷ 0.1 Pa per Ba = 980.665 Ba

Both units are defined exactly, so the factor is exact. Centimeter of Water definition: centimeter of water; Barye definition: barye.

Worked examples

1. A reading of 6 cmH₂O converts to 5883.99 Ba.
   6 cmH₂O × 980.665 = 5883.99 Ba
2. A value of 30 cmH₂O is 29419.95 Ba.
   30 cmH₂O × 980.665 = 29419.95 Ba

Where it's used

Centimeters of Water are used for mechanical ventilation (PEEP 5–10 cmH₂O, plateau pressure under 30 cmH₂O), while baryes appear in older physics and acoustics literature. Both measure pressure, stress and differential pressure (force per unit area), so the conversion is a fixed factor.

Centimeter of Water to other pressure 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, "centimeter of water, conventional (cmH2O)".
• 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, "dyne per square centimeter (dyn/cm²)".

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