Pressure Calculator
Calculate Pressure, Force, or Area.
Pressure is the amount of force applied over a specific area. It explains why a sharp knife cuts better than a dull one (same force, smaller area = higher pressure) and why snowshoes keep you from sinking (same weight, larger area = lower pressure). Use this calculator to solve for Pressure (P=F/A), Force, or Area.
Solve For
pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
Under Pressure
1. The Pascal (Pa)
The detailed SI unit for pressure is the Pascal (named after Blaise Pascal).
1 Pa = 1 Newton per square meter (N/m²).
A Pascal is actually very small. Atmospheric pressure at sea level is about 101,325 Pa (or 101.3 kPa). That's why we often see units like "PSI" (Pounds per Square Inch) in cars or "Bar" in weather reports.
2. Hydraulic Systems
Pressure is the secret to hydraulic lifts. Because P = F/A, if you apply a small force to a small area standard liquid, that same pressure is transmitted to a larger area, resulting in a HUGE force on the other side. This is how a human foot on a brake pedal can stop a 2-ton car.
3. FAQ
Q: Why do my ears pop on a plane?
As altitude increases, air pressure decreases. The air trapped behind your eardrum is suddenly at a higher pressure than the cabin air, pushing your eardrum outward (pain). "Popping" equalizes this pressure.