What Is This Tool?
This tool converts pressure measurements from centimeter water (4°C), a non‑SI unit based on a column of water at 4°C, into centipascal (cPa), an SI-derived unit representing one hundredth of a pascal. It helps translate small pressure values commonly used in medical and scientific applications.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the pressure value in centimeter water (4°C)
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Select centimeter water (4°C) as the input unit and centipascal (cPa) as the output unit
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Click the convert button to get the pressure value in centipascal
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Review the conversion result which uses the defined formula
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Use the result for further scientific or medical analysis
Key Features
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Converts centimeter water (4°C) to centipascal (cPa) efficiently
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Supports precise pressure unit translation for scientific and medical needs
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Easy browser-based interface suitable for quick calculations
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Displays conversion examples for user clarity
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Highlights common use cases in respiratory care and laboratory settings
Examples
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Convert 2 centimeter water (4°C): 2 × 9806.38 = 19612.76 centipascal
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Convert 0.5 centimeter water (4°C): 0.5 × 9806.38 = 4903.19 centipascal
Common Use Cases
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Reporting airway and ventilator pressures in respiratory care such as peak inspiratory pressure and PEEP
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Measuring small differential pressures with manometers and low-pressure sensors in laboratory experiments
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Setting suction and pressure parameters for medical devices like chest drains and CPAP/BiPAP machines
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Calibrating sensitive differential-pressure sensors in microfluidics and HVAC system monitoring
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Monitoring slight pressure variations in cleanrooms and medical device environments
Tips & Best Practices
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Always verify the temperature context since centimeter water pressure is defined at 4°C
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Use precise instruments for measuring very low pressures expressed in centipascal
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Consider the nature of pressure (hydrostatic vs absolute) to avoid misinterpretation
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Double-check converted values when used in critical medical or engineering applications
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Refer to conversion examples for better understanding and validation
Limitations
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The centimeter water unit depends on temperature, so results may change with temperature variation
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Centipascal values represent very small pressures requiring sensitive measurement devices
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Users must be cautious about distinguishing between hydrostatic and absolute pressure contexts to prevent confusion
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does 1 centimeter water (4°C) represent?
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It represents the pressure from a 1 cm column of pure water at 4°C and is approximately equal to 98.0665 pascals.
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Why use centipascal as a pressure unit?
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Centipascal is used for expressing very small pressure differences in scientific and engineering measurements, equivalent to one hundredth of a pascal.
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In which fields is this conversion commonly applied?
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It is used in respiratory care, laboratories, microfluidics, HVAC monitoring, and medical device calibration involving small pressure measurements.
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Can this conversion vary with temperature?
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Yes, because centimeter water is defined at 4°C, the pressure value may slightly change if temperature deviates.
Key Terminology
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Centimeter water (4°C)
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A pressure unit representing the hydrostatic pressure from a 1 cm column of pure water at 4°C, approximately 98.0665 pascals.
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Centipascal (cPa)
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An SI-derived pressure unit equal to one hundredth of a pascal, used to express very small pressure differences.
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Hydrostatic Pressure
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Pressure exerted by a fluid at rest due to the force of gravity.