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
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Quantity | Choose one: Length: m → cm, Mass: kg → g, Force: N → dyn, Energy: J → erg … |
| Value in SI units | A 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 units | Value in CGS units |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 50,000 |
| 0.75 | 75,000 |
| 1 | 100,000 |
| 1.25 | 125,000 |
| 1.5 | 150,000 |
| 2 | 200,000 |
Formula
CGS value = SI value × conversion factorWorked example
Inputs — Quantity: Force: N → dyn; Value in SI units: 1.
Results — Value in CGS units = 100,000; Conversion factor = 100,000.
Frequently asked questions
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.