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Convert pounds per square inch (PSI) to kilopascals (kPa) instantly. Free pressure conversion calculator with tables, formulas, and practical examples for automotive, engineering, and scientific applications.
1 PSI =
6.89476 kPa
1 kPa =
0.145038 PSI
1 atm =
101.325 kPa
Formula: kPa = PSI × 6.89476
Reference table of frequently used PSI to kilopascal conversions with real-world context for each pressure value.
| PSI | kPa | Real-World Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 PSI | 6.895 kPa | Minimal pressure reference |
| 5 PSI | 34.474 kPa | Low-pressure pneumatic tools |
| 10 PSI | 68.948 kPa | Bicycle tire (road bike minimum) |
| 14.696 PSI | 101.325 kPa | Standard atmosphere (1 atm) |
| 20 PSI | 137.895 kPa | Low-pressure water systems |
| 25 PSI | 172.369 kPa | Light truck tire pressure |
| 30 PSI | 206.843 kPa | Typical passenger car tire |
| 32 PSI | 220.632 kPa | Common sedan tire pressure |
| 35 PSI | 241.317 kPa | SUV / crossover tire pressure |
| 40 PSI | 275.79 kPa | Residential water pressure |
| 50 PSI | 344.738 kPa | Standard residential plumbing |
| 60 PSI | 413.685 kPa | Municipal water supply |
| 80 PSI | 551.581 kPa | Commercial water systems |
| 100 PSI | 689.476 kPa | Industrial compressed air |
| 150 PSI | 1034.214 kPa | SCUBA tank regulator output |
| 200 PSI | 1378.951 kPa | High-pressure washing systems |
| 500 PSI | 3447.379 kPa | Hydraulic brake systems |
| 1000 PSI | 6894.757 kPa | Industrial hydraulic equipment |
| 3000 PSI | 20684.272 kPa | SCUBA tank (full aluminum) |
| 5000 PSI | 34473.786 kPa | Heavy industrial hydraulics |
PSI (pounds per square inch) is an imperial unit of pressure that measures force in pounds applied over an area of one square inch. It is the most commonly used pressure unit in the United States and is standard in automotive applications (tire pressure), HVAC systems, plumbing, and hydraulic equipment. PSI originated from the English engineering system and remains deeply embedded in American industrial and consumer products.
kPa (kilopascals) is a metric unit of pressure equal to 1,000 pascals. The pascal, the SI base unit of pressure, is defined as one newton of force applied over one square meter. Named after the French mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal, who made pioneering contributions to fluid mechanics and pressure studies in the 17th century, the kilopascal is used worldwide in science, engineering, meteorology, and everyday applications like tire pressure labeling in metric countries.
The relationship between these units is precisely defined: 1 PSI = 6.894757 kPa (commonly rounded to 6.89476). This conversion factor is essential for international trade, automotive manufacturing, and any field where equipment designed in imperial units must be used or specified in metric countries, or vice versa. Understanding both systems is critical for engineers, mechanics, and scientists working across borders.
kPa = PSI × 6.89476
To convert back: PSI = kPa ÷ 6.89476 (or kPa × 0.145038)
A tire inflated to 32 PSI has an internal pressure of approximately 221 kPa.
A standard workshop compressor at 100 PSI delivers approximately 689 kPa of pressure.
A full aluminum SCUBA tank at 3,000 PSI holds approximately 20,684 kPa (about 207 bar) of compressed air.
For a quick approximation, multiply the PSI value by 7. This gives you a result within about 1.5% of the exact answer. For example, 30 PSI × 7 = 210 kPa (exact: 206.84 kPa). This shortcut is handy for quick tire pressure estimates when you don't have a calculator available.
| Vehicle Type | Typical PSI Range | Equivalent kPa Range |
|---|---|---|
| Compact car | 30-32 PSI | 207-221 kPa |
| Mid-size sedan | 32-35 PSI | 221-241 kPa |
| SUV / Crossover | 33-36 PSI | 228-248 kPa |
| Pickup truck | 35-44 PSI | 241-303 kPa |
| Sports car | 32-40 PSI | 221-276 kPa |
| Motorcycle | 28-40 PSI | 193-276 kPa |
| Bicycle (road) | 80-130 PSI | 552-896 kPa |
| Bicycle (mountain) | 30-50 PSI | 207-345 kPa |
| Application | Typical PSI | Equivalent kPa |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC ductwork | 0.5-2 PSI | 3.4-13.8 kPa |
| Natural gas (residential) | 0.25-0.5 PSI | 1.7-3.4 kPa |
| Compressed air tools | 90-120 PSI | 621-827 kPa |
| Fire sprinkler systems | 100-175 PSI | 689-1,207 kPa |
| Steam boilers | 15-300 PSI | 103-2,068 kPa |
| Hydraulic presses | 1,000-5,000 PSI | 6,895-34,474 kPa |
| Water jet cutting | 30,000-90,000 PSI | 206,843-620,528 kPa |
| Autoclave sterilization | 15-30 PSI | 103-207 kPa |
Tire pressure is specified in PSI in the US but kPa in most other countries. Proper conversion ensures safe tire inflation, optimal fuel efficiency, and even tread wear when traveling internationally or servicing imported vehicles.
Hydraulic systems, pneumatic controls, and structural engineering specifications often cross between imperial and metric standards. Accurate PSI to kPa conversion is essential for equipment compatibility, safety margins, and regulatory compliance.
Blood pressure monitors, ventilators, and medical gas systems may use either PSI or kPa depending on the manufacturer and country. Healthcare professionals must convert accurately to ensure proper equipment operation and patient safety.
Scientific research and publications use SI units (pascals and kilopascals) as the standard. Researchers working with equipment calibrated in PSI must convert to kPa for consistent data reporting, peer review, and international collaboration.
The precise conversion factor is 6.894757 kPa per PSI. For everyday use, 6.89476 is sufficient, but for scientific or engineering work requiring high precision, use the full value to avoid cumulative rounding errors.
PSI can refer to PSIG (gauge pressure, relative to atmospheric) or PSIA (absolute pressure). A tire at 32 PSIG is actually about 46.7 PSIA. The conversion factor to kPa applies the same way, but mixing up gauge and absolute will give incorrect results.
Most modern vehicles display recommended tire pressure in both PSI and kPa on the driver's door jamb sticker. Use the manufacturer's listed value rather than converting, as they may round to the nearest convenient number in each unit system.
Be mindful of the metric prefix: 1 kPa = 1,000 Pa, and 1 MPa = 1,000 kPa. Mixing up kilopascals with plain pascals produces results off by a factor of 1,000. Some specifications use MPa (megapascals) for high-pressure applications.
Tire pressure changes by approximately 1 PSI (6.9 kPa) for every 10°F (5.5°C) change in temperature. Always measure tire pressure when tires are cold for accurate readings, and account for seasonal temperature swings when setting pressures.
1 PSI is exactly 6.89476 kilopascals (kPa). This conversion factor is derived from the definition of a pound-force per square inch relative to the pascal, the SI unit of pressure.
Multiply the PSI value by 6.89476. For example, 30 PSI multiplied by 6.89476 equals 206.843 kPa. You can also use our free calculator above for instant, accurate conversions.
PSI (pounds per square inch) is an imperial pressure unit commonly used in the United States, while kPa (kilopascals) is a metric SI unit used internationally. They measure the same physical quantity but on different scales: 1 PSI equals 6.89476 kPa.
32 PSI equals approximately 220.6 kPa. This is a common passenger car tire pressure. In countries using the metric system, tire pressure is typically displayed in kPa on the door jamb sticker or owner's manual.
Most countries outside the United States use kPa because it is part of the International System of Units (SI). The metric system was adopted internationally for standardization in science, engineering, and trade. The US continues to use PSI due to historical convention.
Standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is 14.696 PSI or 101.325 kPa. This reference point is important in meteorology, aviation, and engineering calculations involving gauge versus absolute pressure.
Yes, kPa is the abbreviation for kilopascals. One kilopascal equals 1,000 pascals (Pa). The pascal is the SI unit of pressure named after French mathematician Blaise Pascal, and the kilo prefix means one thousand.
Divide the kPa value by 6.89476, or equivalently multiply by 0.145038. For example, 200 kPa divided by 6.89476 equals approximately 29.01 PSI. Our converter above handles both directions automatically.
Most passenger car tires require 30 to 35 PSI (207 to 241 kPa). The recommended pressure is specific to your vehicle and can be found on the tire information placard on the driver's door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Yes, this converter works for any pressure measurement. Hydraulic systems commonly operate between 1,000 and 5,000 PSI (6,895 to 34,474 kPa). The conversion factor of 6.89476 applies regardless of the pressure range.
This PSI to kPa converter is provided for informational and educational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical pressure measurements with calibrated instruments. UnitTables is not responsible for any errors or outcomes resulting from the use of this tool.