Pressure Conversion Calculator
Convert between different pressure units with precision
Pressure is the force applied perpendicular to a surface per unit area. Different pressure units are used across various industries and regions:
- PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): Common in US and UK, especially in automotive and industrial applications.
- Bar: Widely used in Europe and internationally, approximately equal to atmospheric pressure at sea level.
- Pascal (Pa): The SI unit of pressure, with common prefixes kPa (kilopascal) and MPa (megapascal).
- Atmosphere (atm): Based on average atmospheric pressure at sea level.
- mmHg/inHg: Based on mercury barometer readings, common in meteorology and medical fields.
Common pressure conversion formulas:
- 1 bar = 14.5038 PSI
- 1 bar = 100 kPa
- 1 atm = 101.325 kPa
- 1 atm = 760 mmHg
- 1 PSI = 6.89476 kPa
- 1 MPa = 145.038 PSI
These conversions are based on standard conditions and are used globally in engineering and scientific calculations.
Pressure measurements are crucial in many fields:
- Engineering: Hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, structural design
- Automotive: Tire pressure, engine compression, fuel systems
- Medical: Blood pressure monitoring, medical gas systems
- Weather: Atmospheric pressure measurements, weather forecasting
- Industrial: Process control, safety systems, quality assurance
- Always verify the required pressure unit for your specific application
- Consider the precision needed for your conversion and round accordingly
- Be aware that some industries have standard units they prefer to use
- Remember that pressure measurements may be absolute or gauge pressure
- Double-check critical conversions, especially in safety-related applications
What is the difference between absolute and gauge pressure?
Absolute pressure is measured relative to a perfect vacuum, while gauge pressure is measured relative to atmospheric pressure. Gauge pressure is commonly used in tire pressure and other everyday applications.
Why are there so many different pressure units?
Different pressure units evolved from various historical contexts and practical applications. While the Pascal is the SI unit, other units remain common in specific industries and regions due to tradition and practical considerations.
Which pressure unit should I use?
The choice of pressure unit depends on your application, industry standards, and regional preferences. For international scientific work, Pascal (Pa) or its derivatives are recommended. For specific industries, use the standard unit for that field.