Surface Tension Converter
Convert between 7 units of surface tension — N/m, mN/m, dyn/cm, erg/cm², lbf/ft, lbf/in, and erg/mm².
About the Surface Tension Converter
Surface tension arises because molecules at a liquid's surface experience an unbalanced net inward force — there are no neighbours above them. This creates a skin-like elastic layer at the surface. The SI unit is newtons per metre (N/m). Surface tension is why water forms spherical droplets, why some insects can walk on water, and why soap is effective at cleaning — it dramatically reduces water's surface tension.
- ›Water has a surface tension of 72.8 mN/m at 20 °C — one of the highest of any liquid
- ›Mercury's surface tension is approximately 485 mN/m — nearly 7× that of water
- ›Soap reduces water's surface tension from ~73 to ~25 mN/m
- ›Surface tension decreases with increasing temperature in almost all liquids
N/m to dyn/cm — Conversion Table
| N/m (N/m) | dyn/cm (dyn/cm) |
|---|---|
| 1 N/m | 1,000 dyn/cm |
| 2 N/m | 2,000 dyn/cm |
| 5 N/m | 5,000 dyn/cm |
| 10 N/m | 10,000 dyn/cm |
| 20 N/m | 20,000 dyn/cm |
| 50 N/m | 50,000 dyn/cm |
| 100 N/m | 100,000 dyn/cm |
| 1,000 N/m | 1,000,000 dyn/cm |
Last updated: July 27, 2026 · Calculated using SI-validated constants (NIST)
Frequently Asked Questions
What units does the Surface Tension Converter support?
The Surface Tension Converter supports multiple units with instant conversion. Convert between 7 units of surface tension — N/m, mN/m, dyn/cm, erg/cm², lbf/ft, lbf/in, and erg/mm². All results use SI-validated constants accurate to 8 significant figures.
Is this Surface Tension Converter free?
Yes — completely free. No registration, no limits. Works on all devices including mobile.
How accurate is this converter?
Accurate to 8 significant figures using precise mathematical constants validated against international SI standards (NIST and ISO 80000).