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Multi-unit pressure converter supporting pascals (Pa), kilopascals (kPa), megapascals (MPa), bar, PSI, and atmospheres.
1 kPa = 1,000 Pa
1 MPa = 1,000,000 Pa
1 bar = 100,000 Pa
1 PSI = 6,894.76 Pa
1 atm = 101,325 Pa
| Description | Pa | kPa | bar | PSI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Atmosphere | 101325 | 101.33 | 1.013 | 14.70 |
| Tire Pressure (32 PSI) | 220633 | 220.63 | 2.206 | 32.00 |
| 1 Bar | 100000 | 100.00 | 1.000 | 14.50 |
| 1 PSI | 6895 | 6.89 | 0.069 | 1.00 |
The pascal (Pa) is the SI unit of pressure, named after French mathematician Blaise Pascal. One pascal equals one newton per square meter (N/m²). While Pa is the fundamental unit, kilopascals (kPa) and megapascals (MPa) are more commonly used for practical applications due to the relatively small size of a single pascal.
Engineers select pressure units based on the application and magnitude. For example, structural engineers use MPa for concrete strength (typically 20-40 MPa), while HVAC technicians use kPa for air pressure (typically 100-500 kPa). Understanding conversions between these units is essential for international collaboration and equipment compatibility.
The International System of Units (SI) designates the pascal as the standard pressure unit. However, due to historical conventions and practical considerations, other units remain in common use. Scientific publications typically report pressure in pascals or atmospheres, while engineering specifications may use bar or PSI depending on regional standards.
Pascal conversions follow metric prefixes: 1 kPa = 1,000 Pa, and 1 MPa = 1,000 kPa = 1,000,000 Pa. To convert to other units: 1 bar = 100,000 Pa, 1 PSI = 6,894.76 Pa, and 1 atm = 101,325 Pa. Use these factors to multiply or divide as needed.
Different pressure units developed historically in various fields and regions. Atmospheres relate to Earth's pressure, mercury columns were used in early barometers (mmHg), imperial measurements created PSI, and the metric system introduced pascals. Each unit remains useful in its traditional context, requiring engineers to be fluent in multiple systems.
Use pascals (Pa, kPa, MPa) for scientific work and SI compliance. Use PSI for North American automotive and industrial applications. Use bar for European engineering and diving. Use atmospheres for chemistry and altitude-related calculations. The choice depends on your industry, region, and the magnitude of pressure you're measuring.
Yes, 100 kPa equals exactly 1 bar. Both equal 100,000 pascals. This makes bar a convenient unit for many applications, as it's a round number in kPa and close to atmospheric pressure (101.325 kPa or 1.01325 bar at sea level).