Pressure Calculator
Calculate pressure from force and area using the formula P = F/A
Calculate Pressure
Force applied perpendicular to the surface
Surface area over which force is distributed
Pressure Results
Formula used: P = F / A
Input values: Force: 0.000 N, Area: 0.000000 m²
Base pressure: 0.000 Pa
Pressure Analysis
Example Calculation
Hydraulic Jack
Force: 500 N
Piston Area: 0.01 m² (10 cm²)
Pressure: P = 500 N ÷ 0.01 m² = 50,000 Pa = 50 kPa
Result: Moderate hydraulic pressure
Tire Pressure
Typical car tire: 30-35 psi
Equivalent: 207-241 kPa
Higher pressure = better fuel economy
Lower pressure = better traction
Types of Pressure
Absolute
Referenced to perfect vacuum
Gauge
Referenced to atmospheric pressure
Differential
Difference between two pressures
Pressure Tips
Pressure is force per unit area (P = F/A)
Smaller area = higher pressure for same force
Pascal (Pa) is the SI unit for pressure
1 atm ≈ 101.3 kPa ≈ 14.7 psi
Understanding Pressure
What is Pressure?
Pressure is a physical quantity that describes the magnitude of force distributed over a surface area. It represents how much force is applied perpendicular to a given surface per unit area.
Key Characteristics
- •Pressure is a scalar quantity (has magnitude but no direction)
- •Force must be applied perpendicular to the surface
- •Smaller area results in higher pressure for the same force
- •Measured in pascals (Pa) in the SI system
Pressure Formula
P = F / A
- P: Pressure (Pa, psi, bar, etc.)
- F: Force applied perpendicular to surface (N, lbf, etc.)
- A: Surface area (m², in², etc.)
Common Units
Pascal (Pa): 1 N/m² (SI unit)
PSI: Pounds per square inch
Bar: 100,000 Pa
Atmosphere: 101,325 Pa
Pressure Applications
Hydraulic Systems
Use pressure to multiply force in brake systems, jacks, and heavy machinery.
• Car brakes: 1,000-2,000 psi
• Hydraulic press: 10,000+ psi
Atmospheric Pressure
Weather systems and altitude changes affect atmospheric pressure significantly.
• Sea level: ~14.7 psi (1 atm)
• Weather range: 13.6-15.1 psi
Industrial Applications
Pressure vessels, pneumatic tools, and gas systems rely on precise pressure control.
• Compressed air: 80-120 psi
• Steam boilers: 150-3,000 psi