How to use this calculator
- Enter or choose solve for.
- Enter or choose force unit.
- Enter or choose area unit.
- Enter or choose pressure unit.
- The result updates as you type. Use Copy result or Share to keep it.
Method
P = F ÷ A; F = P × A; A = F ÷ P
- P
- pressure in pascals (1 Pa = 1 N/m²; 1 bar = 100 kPa; 1 psi = 6.894757 kPa; 1 atm = 101.325 kPa)
- F
- force normal to the surface in N
- A
- area in m²
Worked example
- P = F ÷ A.
- P = 500 N ÷ 0.01 m² = 50,000 Pa = 50 kPa (0.5 bar, about 7.25 psi).
A 500 N load on 0.01 m² (a 10 cm square) exerts 50 kPa.
What the result means
Use the force perpendicular to the surface. For a hydraulic press the same pressure acts on both pistons, so the force scales with the piston area: that is the force multiplication in jacks and brakes.
Assumptions and limits
- Force spread evenly over the area and acting perpendicular to it.
- Real contacts concentrate stress at edges and high points; peak pressure can far exceed the average.
Questions
Is this gauge or absolute pressure?
Neither as such: it is the pressure the force creates. Add atmospheric pressure (101.325 kPa at sea level) if you need an absolute value.
How do I convert psi to kPa?
Multiply by 6.894757. For example, 32 psi is 220.6 kPa.