⚖️ Pressure Calculator
Calculate pressure
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Force
Input the force applied in Newtons (N). If you have force in other units like pounds (lbs), convert to Newtons first (1 lb = 4.448 N).
Enter Area
Input the area over which the force is applied in square meters (m²). For smaller areas, remember: 1 cm² = 0.0001 m², 1 mm² = 0.000001 m².
Calculate Pressure
Click the "Calculate Pressure" button to get the pressure in Pascals (Pa). The result will also show the equivalent in kilopascals (kPa) for easier reading.
Review Results
Review the calculated pressure. Remember: 1 Pa = 1 N/m², 1 kPa = 1000 Pa, and 1 bar = 100,000 Pa.
Formula
P = F / A
Where: P = Pressure (Pa), F = Force (N), A = Area (m²)
Pressure Units:
• Pascal (Pa) = N/m² (SI unit)
• Kilopascal (kPa) = 1,000 Pa
• Bar = 100,000 Pa = 100 kPa
• PSI (pounds per square inch) = 6,895 Pa
• Atmosphere (atm) = 101,325 Pa
Worked Examples:
Example 1: Basic Pressure Calculation
Given: Force = 100 N, Area = 0.01 m²
Step 1: Apply the formula
P = F / A = 100 N / 0.01 m²
Result: P = 10,000 Pa = 10 kPa
Example 2: Pressure on a Foot
Given: Person weight = 700 N (70 kg × 9.8 m/s²), Foot area = 0.02 m²
Step 1: Calculate pressure
P = 700 N / 0.02 m²
Result: P = 35,000 Pa = 35 kPa
This is why high heels create much higher pressure!
Example 3: Atmospheric Pressure
Given: Standard atmospheric pressure = 101,325 Pa
This is equivalent to about 14.7 PSI or 1 atmosphere
On a 1 m² surface, this corresponds to a force of:
F = P × A = 101,325 Pa × 1 m² = 101,325 N
≈ 10.3 metric tons of force!
About Pressure Calculator
The Pressure Calculator is a fundamental physics tool that calculates pressure using the classic formula P = F/A, where pressure equals force divided by area. Pressure is a scalar quantity that measures the force applied per unit area. It's one of the most important concepts in physics, engineering, and everyday life, affecting everything from tire inflation to deep-sea diving to weather systems.
When to Use This Calculator
- Engineering Design: Calculate pressure in hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and structural components
- Physics Education: Understand pressure concepts in classrooms and laboratories
- Tire Pressure: Convert between different pressure units for vehicle maintenance
- Fluid Mechanics: Calculate pressure in pipes, tanks, and fluid systems
- Safety Analysis: Determine if pressure vessels or containers can withstand applied forces
- Medical Applications: Calculate blood pressure, respiratory pressure, and other medical measurements
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Instant Calculations: Get accurate pressure values in seconds
- ✅ Multiple Units: Results shown in Pascals and kilopascals for convenience
- ✅ Easy to Use: Simple interface requiring only force and area inputs
- ✅ Free Tool: No registration or payment required
- ✅ Educational: Includes formulas, examples, and unit conversions
- ✅ Mobile Friendly: Works perfectly on all devices
Common Applications
- Hydraulics: Calculate pressure in hydraulic systems for machinery and vehicles
- Weather: Understand atmospheric pressure and its effects on weather patterns
- Scuba Diving: Calculate water pressure at different depths for safety planning
- Construction: Determine pressure on foundations, walls, and structural elements
- Manufacturing: Calculate pressure in industrial processes and equipment
Tips for Best Results
- Unit Consistency: Always use consistent units (N for force, m² for area) for accurate results
- Area Calculation: For irregular shapes, calculate the total contact area accurately
- Force Direction: Ensure the force is perpendicular to the surface for accurate pressure calculations
- Unit Conversion: Convert all measurements to SI units (N and m²) before calculating
- Real-World Context: Consider that real-world pressure may vary due to factors like temperature and fluid properties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pressure and how is it different from force?
Pressure is force per unit area (P = F/A), while force is the total amount of push or pull. Pressure tells you how concentrated the force is. For example, a 100 N force on a large area creates low pressure, but the same force on a small area creates high pressure (like a knife cutting).
Why do we use Pascals as the unit for pressure?
Pascal (Pa) is the SI unit for pressure, defined as one Newton per square meter (N/m²). It's named after Blaise Pascal, a French physicist. It's the standard unit in science and engineering, though other units like PSI, bar, and atmosphere are still commonly used in specific industries.
How does area affect pressure?
Pressure is inversely proportional to area - the smaller the area, the greater the pressure for the same force. This is why sharp knives cut better (small area = high pressure) and why snowshoes prevent sinking (large area = low pressure).
What is atmospheric pressure and how much is it?
Atmospheric pressure is the pressure exerted by the weight of air above us. At sea level, standard atmospheric pressure is 101,325 Pa (101.325 kPa), which equals 1 atmosphere (atm) or 14.7 PSI. This pressure decreases with altitude.
Can pressure be negative?
In physics, pressure is typically measured relative to atmospheric pressure. Absolute pressure can't be negative, but gauge pressure (pressure relative to atmospheric) can be negative, indicating a vacuum or pressure below atmospheric pressure.
How do I convert between different pressure units?
Common conversions: 1 Pa = 1 N/m², 1 kPa = 1,000 Pa, 1 bar = 100,000 Pa, 1 PSI = 6,895 Pa, 1 atm = 101,325 Pa. Use these conversion factors to switch between units.
What's the difference between gauge pressure and absolute pressure?
Gauge pressure is measured relative to atmospheric pressure (what you see on tire pressure gauges). Absolute pressure includes atmospheric pressure. Absolute pressure = Gauge pressure + Atmospheric pressure. Most scientific calculations use absolute pressure.