Back to Conversions

Pressure Converter

Convert between pascals, bars, psi, and other pressure units.

Pressure Converter

Convert between pascals, bars, psi, and other pressure units.

Understanding the Converter

Pressure is the force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area. This tool helps convert between units used in meteorology, engineering, and everyday applications like tire pressure.

All conversions use the pascal (Pa), the SI unit of pressure, as a base reference to ensure accuracy.

Formula Used

Standardized Conversion Process

To ensure accuracy, all conversions use the pascal (Pa) as a common base unit.

  1. Convert to Pascals: The input value is converted to pascals by multiplying it by its conversion factor.
    Value in Pascals = Input Value × Conversion Factor to Pascals
  2. Convert to Target Unit: The pascal value is then converted to the desired final unit by dividing it by the target unit's conversion factor.
    Final Value = Value in Pascals / Target Unit's Conversion Factor

Related Converters

A Guide to Units of Pressure

Pressure is force distributed over an area. The units we use vary widely by industry and region.

Common Pressure Units

UnitAbbreviationDefinition & Context
PascalPaThe SI unit of pressure, equal to one newton per square meter. It is a very small unit, so kilopascals (kPa) are often used.
BarbarExactly 100,000 pascals. Very close to atmospheric pressure, making it a convenient unit in meteorology and for tire pressure in metric countries.
Pounds per square inchpsiAn imperial unit defined as the pressure from one pound-force applied to an area of one square inch. Standard for tire pressure in the US.
Standard AtmosphereatmDefined as the average atmospheric pressure at sea level on Earth, equal to 101,325 Pa. Used in chemistry and physics.
TorrTorrDefined as 1/760 of a standard atmosphere. Named after Evangelista Torricelli, it's used for measuring vacuums.

Common Conversions at a Glance

FromToEquivalent Value
1 BarPascals (Pa)100,000 Pa
1 BarPounds per square inch (psi)~14.504 psi
1 Pound per square inch (psi)Pascals (Pa)~6,895 Pa
1 Standard Atmosphere (atm)Pounds per square inch (psi)~14.696 psi
1 Standard Atmosphere (atm)Bar~1.013 bar

Frequently Asked Questions

What is atmospheric pressure?

Atmospheric pressure is the pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere. At sea level, this pressure is about 1 atm, 1.013 bar, or 14.7 psi. It's the baseline we experience every day.

What is 'gauge pressure' vs. 'absolute pressure'?

Absolute pressure is measured relative to a perfect vacuum (0 psi). Gauge pressure is measured relative to the surrounding atmospheric pressure. A tire pressure gauge reading 32 psi is showing gauge pressure; its absolute pressure is 32 psi + ~14.7 psi = 46.7 psi.

Why is Torr used for vacuums?

The Torr unit is very small (1 atm = 760 Torr), making it convenient for measuring very low pressures found in vacuum systems. It's named after Evangelista Torricelli, who invented the barometer.

Why do meteorologists use millibars?

A millibar (mbar) is one-thousandth of a bar. Since 1 bar is very close to 1 atmosphere, millibars provide a convenient scale for reporting the small variations in atmospheric pressure that drive weather patterns. 1 mbar is equal to 1 hectopascal (hPa), another common meteorological unit.

Summary

The Pressure Converter is an essential tool for engineers, divers, meteorologists, and hobbyists who need to convert between different pressure measurement systems. It simplifies complex relationships between SI, imperial, and other specialized units.

Embed This Calculator

Add this calculator to your website or blog using the embed code below:

<div style="max-width: 600px; margin: 0 auto;"> <iframe src="https://mycalculating.com/category/conversions/pressure-converter?embed=true" width="100%" height="600" style="border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:8px;" loading="lazy" title="Pressure Converter Calculator by MyCalculating.com" ></iframe> <p style="text-align:center; font-size:12px; margin-top:4px;"> <a href="https://mycalculating.com/category/conversions/pressure-converter" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Use full version on <strong>MyCalculating.com</strong> </a> </p> </div>
Open in New Tab

Pressure Converter

Convert between pascals, bars, psi, and other pressure units.

How to use Pressure Converter

Step-by-step guide to using the Pressure Converter:

  1. Enter your values. Input the required values in the calculator form
  2. Calculate. The calculator will automatically compute and display your results
  3. Review results. Review the calculated results and any additional information provided

Frequently asked questions

How do I use the Pressure Converter?

Simply enter your values in the input fields and the calculator will automatically compute the results. The Pressure Converter is designed to be user-friendly and provide instant calculations.

Is the Pressure Converter free to use?

Yes, the Pressure Converter is completely free to use. No registration or payment is required.

Can I use this calculator on mobile devices?

Yes, the Pressure Converter is fully responsive and works perfectly on mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers.

Are the results from Pressure Converter accurate?

Yes, our calculators use standard formulas and are regularly tested for accuracy. However, results should be used for informational purposes and not as a substitute for professional advice.