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Pressure Converter

Our pressure converter helps you convert between 15 pressure units including pascals, bars, PSI, atmospheres, torr, and more. Perfect for engineering, meteorology, HVAC systems, and scientific applications. Fast, accurate, and works entirely in your browser.

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15 Pressure Units

Convert between pascals, bars, PSI, atmospheres, torr, inches of mercury, and more with precise calculations.

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High Precision

Get accurate results with up to 6 decimal places, formatted for easy reading and professional use.

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All conversions happen in your browser. We never store or track your data.

Pressure Converter online

Convert between 15 pressure units including pascals, bars, PSI, atmospheres, torr, and more instantly

What is Pressure?

Pressure is the force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area. In the International System of Units (SI), pressure is measured in pascals (Pa), named after French physicist Blaise Pascal. One pascal equals one newton per square meter (N/m²). Pressure is a fundamental physical quantity that describes how force is distributed over an area, and it's essential in many scientific and engineering applications.

Pressure units are critical in numerous fields including engineering, meteorology, medicine, aviation, and HVAC systems. Understanding pressure conversion between pascals, bars, PSI (pounds per square inch), atmospheres, torr, and other units is crucial for system design, weather forecasting, medical monitoring, and industrial processes. Our converter supports 15 pressure units including SI metric units (pascal, kilopascal, megapascal), bar units (bar, millibar, hectopascal), atmosphere units (standard atmosphere, technical atmosphere), imperial units (PSI, PSF), and specialized units (torr, mmHg, inHg, water column units) for comprehensive pressure conversion needs.

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the pascal is the standard unit of pressure in the SI system. Atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately 101,325 pascals (101.325 kPa), which equals 1 standard atmosphere (atm) or 14.696 PSI. Understanding these relationships is essential for engineers, meteorologists, and anyone working with pressure-dependent systems.

Manual Calculation

  • • Time-consuming multiplication/division
  • • Risk of calculation errors
  • • Difficult to verify accuracy
  • • No formatted output

Online Pressure Converter

  • • Instant conversion results
  • • High-precision calculations
  • • Formatted numbers for clarity
  • • Easy unit swapping

Understanding Pressure Units

Pressure units measure the force applied per unit area. Understanding each unit's origin, common applications, and relationships helps you choose the right unit for your needs and make accurate conversions. Here's a comprehensive guide to all pressure units supported by our converter.

SISI Metric Units

Pa

Pascal (Pa)

Definition: The pascal is the base unit of pressure in the International System of Units (SI), named after French physicist Blaise Pascal (1623-1662). One pascal equals one newton per square meter (N/m²), representing the force of one newton applied over one square meter.

History: The pascal was adopted as the SI unit of pressure in 1971. Blaise Pascal made significant contributions to fluid mechanics and pressure studies, particularly in hydrostatics and barometric pressure measurements. The unit replaced older pressure units in scientific contexts.

Common Uses: Pascals are used in scientific research, engineering calculations, and precision measurements. Due to their small size (standard atmospheric pressure is 101,325 Pa), larger multiples like kilopascals (kPa) and megapascals (MPa) are more commonly used in practical applications. One pascal is approximately the pressure exerted by a dollar bill lying flat on a surface.

Conversion: 1 Pa = 0.001 kPa = 0.000001 MPa = 0.00001 bar = 0.000145 PSI

kPa

Kilopascal (kPa)

Definition: One kilopascal equals 1,000 pascals. The prefix "kilo" means one thousand in the metric system. Kilopascals are one of the most commonly used pressure units in engineering and everyday applications.

Common Uses: Kilopascals are widely used in engineering, meteorology, and automotive applications. Examples include: tire pressure specifications (typically 200-300 kPa for passenger cars), weather barometric pressure (sea level averages around 101.325 kPa), medical equipment, and industrial pressure measurements. Many pressure gauges and sensors are calibrated in kilopascals.

Practical Example: Standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately 101.325 kPa. Tire pressure for a typical car is around 200-250 kPa (29-36 PSI). A strong vacuum cleaner might generate around 20-30 kPa of negative pressure.

Conversion: 1 kPa = 1,000 Pa = 0.001 MPa = 0.01 bar = 0.145 PSI

MPa

Megapascal (MPa)

Definition: One megapascal equals 1,000,000 pascals (1 million pascals). The prefix "mega" means one million in the metric system. Megapascals are used for high-pressure applications.

Common Uses: Megapascals are used in materials science, structural engineering, and high-pressure systems. Examples include: material strength ratings (steel: 200-500 MPa tensile strength), hydraulic systems (10-70 MPa), scuba diving tanks (20-30 MPa), industrial pressure vessels, and geological pressure measurements. Many engineering specifications and material data sheets use megapascals.

Scale Context: One megapascal equals approximately 145 PSI. High-strength steel can withstand 400-500 MPa before failure, while hydraulic systems commonly operate at 20-35 MPa. Deep ocean pressures can reach 100+ MPa at extreme depths.

Conversion: 1 MPa = 1,000 kPa = 1,000,000 Pa = 10 bar = 145 PSI

📊Bar Units

bar

Bar (bar)

Definition: One bar equals 100,000 pascals (100 kPa). The bar is approximately equal to atmospheric pressure at sea level, making it a convenient unit for many applications.

History: The bar was introduced in 1909 by British meteorologist William Napier Shaw. It was originally defined as exactly 1,000,000 dynes per square centimeter, which equals 100,000 pascals. The bar is not an official SI unit but is widely accepted for use with SI units.

Common Uses: Bars are extensively used in meteorology (weather reporting), engineering (hydraulic and pneumatic systems), scuba diving, and industrial applications. Standard atmospheric pressure is approximately 1.01325 bar. Many European countries use bar for tire pressure instead of PSI, with typical car tire pressure around 2-2.5 bar.

Conversion: 1 bar = 100,000 Pa = 100 kPa = 0.1 MPa = 14.504 PSI ≈ 1 atm

mbar

Millibar (mbar)

Definition: One millibar equals 0.001 bar, which equals 100 pascals. Millibars are equivalent to hectopascals (hPa).

Common Uses: Millibars are the standard unit for atmospheric pressure in meteorology and weather forecasting. Standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately 1,013.25 mbar. Weather maps, barometers, and meteorological instruments typically display pressure in millibars. Pressure changes of a few millibars indicate significant weather system movements.

Weather Context: Normal sea-level pressure ranges from 980-1,040 mbar. High pressure systems (anticyclones) typically have pressures above 1,020 mbar, while low pressure systems (cyclones) have pressures below 1,000 mbar. Hurricanes and typhoons can have central pressures below 950 mbar.

Conversion: 1 mbar = 0.001 bar = 100 Pa = 1 hPa = 0.0145 PSI

hPa

Hectopascal (hPa)

Definition: One hectopascal equals 100 pascals. Hectopascals are numerically identical to millibars (1 hPa = 1 mbar), making them equivalent units.

Common Uses: Hectopascals are used in meteorology and weather reporting, particularly in countries using the metric system. They're the preferred SI unit for atmospheric pressure measurements. Weather stations, barometers, and meteorological services worldwide use hectopascals. Standard atmospheric pressure is 1,013.25 hPa.

International Standard: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recommends using hectopascals for atmospheric pressure reporting. Modern digital barometers and weather stations typically display pressure in hectopascals, and this unit appears in most weather forecasts and aviation weather reports.

Conversion: 1 hPa = 100 Pa = 1 mbar = 0.001 bar = 0.0145 PSI

🌍Atmosphere Units

atm

Standard Atmosphere (atm)

Definition: One standard atmosphere equals exactly 101,325 pascals. This represents the average atmospheric pressure at sea level under standard conditions (15°C, 1013.25 mbar).

History: The standard atmosphere was established in 1954 by the 10th General Conference on Weights and Measures as exactly 101,325 Pa. It's based on the average atmospheric pressure at sea level, providing a convenient reference point for pressure measurements.

Common Uses: Atmospheres are used in chemistry, physics, scuba diving, and as a reference point for pressure measurements. Scuba diving equipment is rated in atmospheres (tank pressure: 200-300 atm). Chemical reactions are often conducted at standard temperature and pressure (STP), which includes 1 atm. Many scientific calculations use atmospheres as a convenient reference.

Conversion: 1 atm = 101,325 Pa = 101.325 kPa = 1.01325 bar = 14.696 PSI

at

Technical Atmosphere (at)

Definition: One technical atmosphere equals 98,066.5 pascals. This is defined as the pressure exerted by a kilogram-force per square centimeter, used in the metric technical system.

History: The technical atmosphere was used in engineering applications in European countries before widespread SI adoption. It's based on the metric technical system (kgf/cm²) rather than the SI system. Although largely replaced by bar and pascal, it's still occasionally used in some engineering contexts.

Common Uses: Technical atmospheres are sometimes used in European engineering specifications, particularly in older documentation or in certain industrial contexts. They're less common today, with most applications using bar or pascal instead. The technical atmosphere is approximately 0.968 standard atmospheres.

Conversion: 1 at = 98,066.5 Pa = 98.0665 kPa = 0.980665 bar = 14.223 PSI

🇺🇸Imperial & US Customary Units

PSI

Pounds per Square Inch (PSI)

Definition: One PSI equals the pressure exerted by one pound-force applied over one square inch. One PSI equals approximately 6,894.76 pascals.

History: PSI has been used in the United States and United Kingdom since the 19th century for engineering and industrial applications. It's part of the imperial system of units and remains the standard pressure unit in the United States for most applications.

Common Uses: PSI is the standard unit for tire pressure, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and many engineering applications in the United States. Examples include: car tire pressure (28-35 PSI), bicycle tires (40-100 PSI), hydraulic systems (500-5,000 PSI), compressed air systems (90-120 PSI), and scuba diving tanks (3,000 PSI). Standard atmospheric pressure is approximately 14.696 PSI.

Conversion: 1 PSI = 6,894.76 Pa = 6.895 kPa = 0.068948 bar = 0.068046 atm

psf

Pounds per Square Foot (psf)

Definition: One pound per square foot equals the pressure exerted by one pound-force applied over one square foot. One psf equals approximately 47.88 pascals.

Common Uses: PSF is commonly used in structural engineering, building codes, and construction in the United States. Examples include: wind load calculations (typically 10-50 psf), snow load specifications (20-100 psf depending on region), building design loads, and floor load capacity ratings. Structural engineers use psf for calculating loads on buildings and determining material requirements.

Relationship: 1 PSI = 144 psf (since there are 144 square inches in a square foot). This makes psf useful for large-area pressure applications like wind and snow loading.

Conversion: 1 psf = 47.88 Pa = 0.04788 kPa = 1/144 PSI

🌡️Mercury Column Units

torr

Torr / Millimeter of Mercury (mmHg)

Definition: One torr equals exactly 1/760 of a standard atmosphere, which equals 133.322 pascals. Torr and millimeter of mercury (mmHg) are essentially equivalent units, with torr being slightly more precise.

History: The torr is named after Italian physicist Evangelista Torricelli, who invented the mercury barometer in 1643. The unit was originally defined as the pressure that would support a column of mercury 1 millimeter high. Standard atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg) corresponds to approximately 760 torr.

Common Uses: Torr and mmHg are extensively used in medicine, vacuum technology, and scientific research. Examples include: blood pressure measurements (systolic: 120 mmHg, diastolic: 80 mmHg), vacuum systems (high vacuum: 0.001-1 torr), barometric pressure readings, and laboratory equipment calibration. Medical sphygmomanometers (blood pressure monitors) are calibrated in mmHg.

Conversion: 1 torr = 1 mmHg = 133.322 Pa = 0.133322 kPa = 0.019337 PSI

inHg

Inch of Mercury (inHg)

Definition: One inch of mercury equals the pressure that would support a column of mercury one inch high. One inHg equals approximately 3,386.39 pascals.

History: Inches of mercury became a standard unit through the use of mercury barometers. The unit was widely adopted in English-speaking countries for atmospheric pressure measurements and continues to be used in aviation and meteorology in the United States.

Common Uses: Inches of mercury are primarily used in aviation and meteorology in the United States. Examples include: altimeter settings (29.92 inHg at sea level), weather reporting, barometric pressure displays, and aircraft instruments. Aviation weather reports (METARs) include altimeter settings in inches of mercury. Standard atmospheric pressure is approximately 29.92 inHg.

Aviation Context: Pilots set their altimeters using local barometric pressure in inches of mercury. Lower pressures indicate high altitude or approaching weather systems, while higher pressures indicate clear weather. Pressure altitudes are critical for flight safety and navigation.

Conversion: 1 inHg = 3,386.39 Pa = 3.38639 kPa = 25.4 mmHg = 0.491 PSI

💧Water Column Units

inH2O

Inch of Water (inH2O)

Definition: One inch of water equals the pressure exerted by a column of water one inch high. One inH2O equals approximately 249.089 pascals at 4°C.

Common Uses: Inches of water column are primarily used in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, low-pressure applications, and building ventilation. Examples include: static pressure in ductwork (typically 0.1-2 inH2O), fan pressure ratings, natural gas line pressures (4-7 inH2O), and low-pressure steam systems. HVAC technicians commonly use inches of water to measure and adjust system pressures.

HVAC Context: Most residential and commercial HVAC systems operate at pressures measured in inches of water column. Typical values: supply air static pressure (0.5-1.5 inH2O), return air pressure (-0.1 to -0.5 inH2O), and natural gas pressure (4-7 inH2O for residential). These low pressures are ideal for measuring with manometers and pressure gauges in HVAC applications.

Conversion: 1 inH2O = 249.089 Pa = 0.249 kPa = 0.036127 PSI

mmH2O

Millimeter of Water (mmH2O)

Definition: One millimeter of water equals the pressure exerted by a column of water one millimeter high. One mmH2O equals approximately 9.80665 pascals at 4°C (where water has maximum density).

Common Uses: Millimeters of water are used in precision low-pressure measurements, particularly in metric-system countries and scientific applications. Examples include: precise HVAC measurements, laboratory pressure calibrations, low-pressure fluid systems, and meteorological applications. The unit provides finer resolution than inches of water for precise measurements.

Precision Context: Since 1 mmH2O equals approximately 9.81 Pa, this unit provides a convenient way to measure very low pressures with high precision. It's particularly useful in applications where pressure differences are small, such as in building ventilation, low-pressure air systems, and precision fluid mechanics measurements.

Conversion: 1 mmH2O = 9.80665 Pa = 0.00980665 kPa = 25.4 inH2O (1 in = 25.4 mm)

Quick Reference: Pressure Unit Equivalents

UnitPascalsBarsPSI
1 Pascal1 Pa0.00001 bar0.000145 PSI
1 Kilopascal1,000 Pa0.01 bar0.145 PSI
1 Bar100,000 Pa1 bar14.504 PSI
1 Atmosphere101,325 Pa1.01325 bar14.696 PSI
1 PSI6,894.76 Pa0.068948 bar1 PSI
1 Torr (mmHg)133.322 Pa0.001333 bar0.019337 PSI
1 Inch of Mercury3,386.39 Pa0.033864 bar0.491 PSI
1 Inch of Water249.089 Pa0.002491 bar0.036127 PSI

Pressure Conversion Impact

Understanding pressure units is essential for engineering, meteorology, and scientific applications

101.3 kPa
Atmospheric
Standard sea-level pressure
30 PSI
Tire Pressure
Typical car tire pressure
120 mmHg
Blood Pressure
Normal systolic pressure
1 inH2O
HVAC Pressure
Typical duct static pressure
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Understanding Pressure Units

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the pascal is the standard SI unit of pressure, defined as one newton per square meter. Understanding pressure unit conversions is essential for engineers, meteorologists, HVAC technicians, and anyone working with pressure-dependent systems. The ability to convert between pascals, bars, PSI, atmospheres, and specialized units accurately is fundamental to proper system design, safety, and scientific measurements.

Why Use Our Pressure Converter?

Our pressure converter provides instant, accurate conversions between 15 pressure units including pascals, bars, PSI, atmospheres, torr, millimeters of mercury, inches of mercury, water column units, and more. Whether you're working on engineering projects, meteorology calculations, HVAC system design, medical equipment, or scientific research, our tool offers the precision and ease of use you need.

Instant High-Precision Conversions

Get immediate pressure unit conversions with high precision (up to 6 decimal places). Perfect for engineering calculations, HVAC system design, meteorology, and professional applications. Our converter supports 15 pressure units including SI metric units (Pa, kPa, MPa), bar units (bar, mbar, hPa), atmosphere units (atm, at), imperial units (PSI, psf), and specialized units (torr, mmHg, inHg, water column). All conversions use exact mathematical relationships, ensuring accurate results every time.

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Easy Unit Comparison

Quickly compare pressure values across different units. Convert tire pressure from PSI to bar for European specifications, convert barometric pressure from millibars to inches of mercury for aviation, convert HVAC static pressure from inches of water to pascals for engineering calculations, or convert blood pressure from mmHg to kilopascals for medical documentation. The swap feature lets you instantly reverse conversions, making it easy to work in either direction without recalculating.

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Engineering & Professional Use

Ideal for engineers, meteorologists, HVAC technicians, medical professionals, and anyone working with pressure systems. Use it for HVAC system design (converting static pressures), tire pressure specifications, barometric pressure readings, hydraulic system calculations, medical equipment calibration (blood pressure monitors), aviation altimeter settings, and scientific research. The tool provides formatted output that's ready for professional documentation.

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100% Private & Secure

All power conversions happen locally in your browser. We never store, log, or transmit your conversion values or personal information. Your calculations remain completely private, making this tool safe for sensitive engineering projects and confidential energy system designs.

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Mobile-Friendly Design

Access our pressure converter from any device—desktop, tablet, or smartphone. The responsive design works perfectly on all screen sizes, so you can convert pressure units on the go. Perfect for field engineers, HVAC technicians, and meteorologists who need quick conversions while working on-site or in the field.

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Completely Free Forever

Use our pressure converter as much as you want, whenever you need it, without any cost. No hidden fees, no premium tiers, no usage limits. Convert pressure units unlimited times for free, making it perfect for students, professionals, and anyone working with pressure systems regularly.

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Real-World Impact

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the United States consumed approximately 4,000 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2020, equivalent to about 4,000,000,000 megawatt-hours. Understanding power unit conversions is essential for energy professionals, electrical engineers, and anyone working with renewable energy systems. Our tool helps professionals and students make accurate power calculations quickly, supporting better energy system design and more efficient electrical installations.

How It Works

Our pressure converter uses precise mathematical relationships between pressure units to provide accurate conversions instantly. Here's how the process works:

1

Select Units

Choose your source pressure unit (pascal, bar, PSI, atmosphere, torr, or any of our 15 supported units) from the "Convert From" dropdown and your target unit from the "Convert To" dropdown.

2

Enter Value

Type the pressure value you want to convert in the input field. You can enter whole numbers or decimals for precise values.

3

Calculate

Our system performs the precise mathematical conversion using standard unit relationships (1 bar = 100,000 Pa, 1 atm = 101,325 Pa, 1 PSI = 6,894.76 Pa).

4

View Result

Click Convert to instantly see the converted pressure value displayed clearly with the target unit abbreviation, formatted for easy reading.

Best Practices for Pressure Conversion

When converting pressure units, following best practices ensures accurate results and proper understanding of pressure systems and measurements. Here are essential tips for using pressure converters effectively:

1. Understand the Relationship Between Units

Remember that pressure conversions follow standard relationships: 1 bar = 100,000 pascals, 1 atmosphere = 101,325 pascals, and 1 PSI = 6,894.76 pascals. Standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately 101.325 kPa, 1.01325 bar, or 14.696 PSI. For specialized units, 1 torr (mmHg) = 133.322 Pa, 1 inch of mercury = 3,386.39 Pa, and 1 inch of water = 249.089 Pa. Understanding these relationships helps verify calculator results and catch potential errors in manual calculations.

2. Distinguish Between Absolute and Gauge Pressure

Absolute pressure is measured relative to a perfect vacuum (zero pressure), while gauge pressure is measured relative to atmospheric pressure. For example, tire pressure is typically measured as gauge pressure (30 PSI gauge means 30 PSI above atmospheric pressure). When converting, ensure you understand whether your measurements are absolute or gauge pressure. Our converter handles unit conversions regardless of whether you're working with absolute or gauge pressure, but be aware of this distinction in your applications.

3. Use Appropriate Precision

For most practical applications, 2-4 decimal places are sufficient. However, for precise engineering calculations, medical equipment, or scientific research, our converter provides up to 6 decimal places. Match the precision to your application: tire pressure typically doesn't need high precision, while laboratory measurements or HVAC system design may require greater accuracy.

4. Verify Results for Critical Applications

For critical engineering projects, medical equipment calibration, safety-related calculations, or system design, always verify results using multiple methods or professional engineering software. While our converter uses precise calculations, independent verification is essential for high-stakes applications where errors could have serious consequences, such as medical devices, pressure vessel design, or aviation systems.

5. Consider Context and Application

Different applications use different pressure units. Tire pressure is commonly measured in PSI (US) or bar (Europe), weather barometric pressure uses millibars or hectopascals, medical blood pressure uses mmHg, HVAC systems use inches of water column, aviation uses inches of mercury, and engineering often uses pascals or bars. Understanding which unit is appropriate for your context helps ensure clear communication and proper system understanding. Our converter supports all these common units, making it versatile for various professional applications across engineering, meteorology, medicine, and industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert pressure units online?

To convert pressure units online, select your source unit (pascal, bar, PSI, atmosphere, torr, or any of our 15 supported units) from the 'Convert From' dropdown, choose your target unit from the 'Convert To' dropdown, enter the pressure value you want to convert, and click the Convert button. The tool will instantly display the converted pressure value with high precision.

What power units are supported?

Our converter supports 10 power units: SI metric units (milliwatt, watt, kilowatt, megawatt, gigawatt), traditional units (mechanical horsepower, metric horsepower/PS), and specialized units (BTU per hour, foot-pound per second, calorie per second). Watt (W) is the basic SI unit. One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts, one megawatt equals 1,000,000 watts, and one gigawatt equals 1,000,000,000 watts. One mechanical horsepower equals approximately 745.7 watts.

Is this pressure converter accurate?

Yes, our pressure converter uses precise mathematical conversions based on standard unit relationships. One bar equals exactly 100,000 pascals, one standard atmosphere equals 101,325 pascals, and one PSI equals 6,894.76 pascals. The tool provides results with up to 6 decimal places for accuracy and displays formatted numbers for easy reading.

Can I use this converter for electrical engineering calculations?

Yes, this tool is suitable for basic power unit conversions needed in electrical engineering, energy calculations, and power system analysis. However, for complex engineering projects, always verify calculations with professional engineering software and consult relevant standards and codes. Our converter handles the fundamental unit conversions accurately.

What are common use cases for power conversion?

Power conversion is commonly used for: calculating energy consumption (converting appliance wattage to kilowatts), sizing solar panel systems (converting total watts to kilowatts or megawatts), comparing power plant capacities (converting megawatts to gigawatts), converting engine horsepower to kilowatts for specifications, HVAC system sizing (converting BTU/h to watts or kilowatts), understanding electrical bills, and various engineering and technical applications in electrical, mechanical, and energy systems.

Is this pressure converter free to use?

Yes, our pressure converter is completely free to use. There are no registration requirements, no hidden fees, and no limits on the number of conversions you can perform. Simply enter your pressure values and convert between any of our 15 supported pressure units (pascals, bars, PSI, atmospheres, torr, mmHg, inHg, water column units, and more) instantly without any cost.

How do I convert kilowatts to watts?

To convert kilowatts to watts, multiply the kilowatt value by 1,000. For example, 5 kilowatts equals 5,000 watts. Our converter handles this automatically—just select 'kilowatt' as the source unit, 'watt' as the target unit, enter the value, and click Convert. The result will show the equivalent wattage.

What is the relationship between power and energy?

Power is the rate at which energy is used or generated, measured in watts. Energy is the total amount of work done or electricity consumed, measured in watt-hours or kilowatt-hours (kWh). For example, a 1,000-watt (1 kW) appliance running for 1 hour consumes 1 kWh of energy. Power units (W, kW, MW) describe the capacity or rate, while energy units (Wh, kWh, MWh) describe the total consumption over time.