The pascal is one newton per square meter.
Pascals to Centipascals Converter — Pa to cPa
Convert Pascal (Pa) to Centipascal (cPa) using the exact conversion factor (1 pascal = 100 centipascal). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Pascals to Centipascals converter
Converter
Engineering Converter
Convert common stress, force, torque, power, and energy units used in engineering.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Centipascal is 0.01 pascal units.
Result = input x 1 / 0.01.
Stress Pressure units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Pascals to Centipascals
Pascal and Centipascal both measure a quantity used in structural or mechanical engineering — commonly stress, pressure, force, torque, power, or energy — where converting between the unit conventions used in different regions, industries, or equipment specifications is a routine part of design work. Pascal is most often used for scientific and engineering pressure measurement worldwide.
Formula
centipascals = pascals × 100
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 pascal equals 1 base unit, and 1 centipascal equals 0.01 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct pascal-to-centipascal factor of 100.
Simple example
1 Pa × 100 = 100 cPa
1 pascal = 100 centipascals.
Real-world example
100 Pa × 100 = 10,000 cPa
100 pascals = 10,000 centipascals.
Conversion table
| Pascal (Pa) | Centipascal (cPa) |
|---|---|
| 1 Pa | 100 cPa |
| 10 Pa | 1,000 cPa |
| 50 Pa | 5,000 cPa |
| 100 Pa | 10,000 cPa |
| 500 Pa | 50,000 cPa |
| 1,000 Pa | 100,000 cPa |
Reverse conversion: Centipascal to Pascal
100 cPa × 0.01 = 1 Pa
100 centipascals = 1 pascal.
pascals = centipascals × 0.01
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Centipascal to Pascal.
Understanding the Pascal
Pascal (Pa) measures pressure. The pascal is the SI derived unit of pressure: one newton of force per square meter. It is classified as a SI derived unit.
Where it's used: Standard scientific pressure unit worldwide
Uses of the Pascal today
- Scientific and engineering pressure measurement worldwide
- Meteorology (often as hectopascals, equivalent to millibars)
- Material science (stress and strength, typically in megapascals)
History of the Pascal
The pascal is named after Blaise Pascal, whose 17th-century experiments clarified the physics of fluid pressure and vacuum. It was adopted as the SI derived unit of pressure in 1971, replacing the older, non-coherent CGS pressure units used in much scientific work up to that point.
Historical origin. Pascal was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Centipascal (cPa)
Centipascal is 0.01 pascal units.
Pascal — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Coherent derived units — Defines the pascal as the SI unit of pressure.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many centipascals are in 1 pascal?
1 pascal equals 100 centipascals, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert pascal to centipascal?
Multiply the pascal value by 100. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert centipascal back to pascal?
Use the reverse factor: 1 centipascal equals 0.01 pascals. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a pascal?
Pascal (Pa) measures pressure. The pascal is the SI derived unit of pressure: one newton of force per square meter. It is classified as a SI derived unit.
What is a centipascal?
Centipascal (cPa) is a unit of engineering.
Is the pascal to centipascal conversion exact?
Yes. Both pascal and centipascal are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 100 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.
Where is the pascal still used today?
Standard scientific pressure unit worldwide
Why do engineering unit conventions vary so much by region and industry?
Pressure, force, and stress can be expressed in metric (pascal, newton), US customary (psi, pound-force), or older and industry-specific units (atmosphere, torr, kip) depending on the country, industry, and even the equipment manufacturer, which is why engineers routinely need to convert between them when working across specs from different sources.