Hydraulic Pressure Calculator
Compute pressure in fluids from depth or from applied force on a piston.
How to Use This Calculator
Choose mode
Pick depth-based (ρgh) for hydrostatics or force/area for pistons and presses.
Enter inputs
Use SI units to get pressure in Pascals (Pa).
Calculate and convert
View Pa and kPa. 1 bar = 100 kPa; 1 psi ≈ 6894.76 Pa.
Formula
Hydrostatic: P = ρ g h
Mechanical: P = F / A
Where: ρ = density (kg/m³), g = 9.80665 m/s², h = depth (m), F = force (N), A = area (m²).
Example: Water (ρ = 1000) at 5 m depth → P ≈ 49,033 Pa = 49.0 kPa.
About Hydraulic Pressure
Hydraulic pressure arises from fluid weight (hydrostatics) or applied forces in systems like presses and brakes. It is fundamental in fluid mechanics and hydraulics.
- Gauge vs absolute pressure: depth formula gives gauge relative to surface.
- Pascal's law: pressure transmits undiminished in incompressible fluids.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get pressure in psi?
Divide Pascals by 6894.76. Example: 100000 Pa ≈ 14.5 psi.
Does temperature matter?
Temperature changes density slightly. Update ρ for accurate hydrostatic pressure.
Is depth measured vertically?
Yes, h is the vertical depth below the free surface.