Convert Feet of Water to Centimeters of Water

Convert Feet of Water (ftH₂O) to Centimeters of Water (cmH₂O) instantly and accurately.

Feet of Water (ftH₂O)
Centimeters of Water (cmH₂O)

Conversion Formula

cmH₂O = ftH₂O × 30.48

About Feet of Water

One foot of water column (ftH₂O) ≈ 2,989 Pa - the US customary equivalent of cmH₂O used in civil and hydraulic engineering. Municipal water supply systems are designed for 40-80 psi head ≈ 92-184 ft; fire suppression sprinkler systems require minimum 7 psi ≈ 16 ft. Well pump specifications, sump pump head ratings, irrigation mainline pressure, and drainage calculations all use feet of head. 1 ft of water = 12 in WC = 0.4335 psi ≈ 2,989 Pa.

About Centimeters of Water

One centimetre of water column (cmH₂O) ≈ 98.07 Pa - the clinical pressure unit for respiratory and intravascular measurements. Mechanical ventilator settings are in cmH₂O: peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) 15-30 cmH₂O; PEEP 5-15 cmH₂O; plateau pressure should stay below 30 cmH₂O to avoid lung injury. Lumbar puncture CSF opening pressure is normally 8-20 cmH₂O. CPAP/BiPAP therapy for sleep apnea: 4-20 cmH₂O. Central venous pressure is also reported in cmH₂O. 1 cmH₂O = 98.0665 Pa.

Quick Reference Table

Feet of Water (ftH₂O)Centimeters of Water (cmH₂O)
1 ftH₂O30.48 cmH₂O
2 ftH₂O60.96 cmH₂O
5 ftH₂O152.4 cmH₂O
10 ftH₂O304.8 cmH₂O
25 ftH₂O762 cmH₂O
50 ftH₂O1524 cmH₂O
100 ftH₂O3048 cmH₂O

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