# CGS System of Units Converter

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/conversion/cgs-system-of-units/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> The CGS converter translates SI quantities into the centimetre–gram–second system used in older physics texts, astronomy and electromagnetism: dynes, ergs, gauss, poise, stokes and more.

## Inputs

- Quantity
- Value in SI units

## Results

- Value in CGS units
- Conversion factor

## Formula

```
CGS value = SI value × conversion factor
```

## Explanation

The CGS system builds units from the centimetre, gram and second. Mechanical units convert by simple powers of ten (1 N = 10⁵ dyn, 1 J = 10⁷ erg). Electromagnetic Gaussian units involve the speed of light, which is why 1 C equals about 3 × 10⁹ statcoulombs.

### How to use the CGS System of Units Converter

- **Quantity**
- **Value in SI units**
- Every result field is editable: type into **Value in CGS units** and **Value in SI units** plus every other field update to match.

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Choose the quantity; the SI value is multiplied by the exact factor to its CGS unit. Type a CGS value into the result to get SI.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterQuantityChoose one: Length: m → cm, Mass: kg → g, Force: N → dyn, Energy: J → erg …Value in SI unitsA number

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Value in SI units** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Value in SI unitsValue in CGS units0.550,0000.7575,0001100,0001.25125,0001.5150,0002200,000

## Worked example

Inputs — Quantity: Force: N → dyn; Value in SI units: 1.

Results — **Value in CGS units = 100,000**; Conversion factor = 100,000.

## FAQ

**How many dynes in a newton?**
100,000.

**How many gauss in a tesla?**
10,000.

**Is the poise still used?**
Yes, the centipoise (cP) is common for viscosity: water is about 1 cP.

**What formula does the CGS System of Units Converter use?**
CGS value = SI value × conversion factor.


## Sources

- [BIPM – The International System of Units (SI Brochure, 9th edition)](https://www.bipm.org/en/publications/si-brochure)