Air Pressure at Altitude Calculator
Calculate atmospheric pressure at different altitudes using the barometric formula
Calculate Air Pressure at Altitude
Reference pressure at sea level (standard: 101,325 Pa)
Elevation above sea level
Air temperature at the specified altitude
Unit for pressure result
Atmospheric Pressure Results
Formula Used: P = P₀ × e^(-gMh/RT)
Altitude: 0.0 m
Temperature: 288.1 K
Sea Level Pressure: 101325 Pa
Classification: Normal atmospheric conditions
Reference Altitudes
Example Calculation
Mount Everest Summit
Altitude: 8,849 m
Temperature: -30°C (243.15 K)
Sea Level Pressure: 101,325 Pa
Constants: g=9.81, M=0.0289644, R=8.314
Calculation Steps
1. Convert to SI units
2. Apply barometric formula:
P = 101325 × e^(-9.81×0.0289644×8849/(8.314×243.15))
3. Calculate exponent: -12.58
4. P = 101325 × e^(-12.58)
Result: ~33,700 Pa (0.333 atm)
Physical Constants
Gravitational Acceleration
9.80665 m/s²
Standard Earth gravity
Molar Mass of Air
0.0289644 kg/mol
Dry air composition
Universal Gas Constant
8.31432 J/(mol·K)
Ideal gas law constant
Applications
Aviation and flight planning
Mountaineering and hiking
Weather forecasting
Atmospheric research
Helicopter performance
Understanding Atmospheric Pressure at Altitude
What is Atmospheric Pressure?
Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air above a given point. As altitude increases, there is less air mass above, resulting in lower atmospheric pressure. This relationship follows the barometric formula.
Why Does Pressure Decrease with Altitude?
- •Less air mass above creates lower pressure
- •Gravitational effects on air molecules
- •Exponential decrease with height
- •Temperature effects on air density
Barometric Formula
P = P₀ × e^(-gMh/RT)
- P: Pressure at altitude h
- P₀: Sea level pressure
- g: Gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²)
- M: Molar mass of air (0.0289644 kg/mol)
- h: Altitude (m)
- R: Universal gas constant (8.314 J/mol·K)
- T: Temperature (K)
Note: This formula assumes constant temperature and gravitational acceleration.
Effects of Reduced Atmospheric Pressure
Physiological Effects
Reduced oxygen availability, altitude sickness, and breathing difficulties at high elevations.
Physical Effects
Lower boiling points, reduced aircraft performance, and changes in fluid behavior.
Practical Applications
Flight planning, weather prediction, mountaineering safety, and engineering design.