Pressure Calculator
Solve P = F ÷ A — enter the force in newtons and the area in square metres to get pressure in pascals, kilopascals and bar.
Reviewed by the OmniCalc teamMethod verified 2026-07-01
50Pa
= 0.05 kPa= 0.0005 bar
Pressure 50 PaShow steps
- P = F ÷ A = 100 N ÷ 2 m² = 50 Pa.
- Convert to kilopascals: 50 Pa ÷ 1000 = 0.05 kPa.
- Convert to bar: 50 Pa ÷ 100 000 = 0.0005 bar.
How to use the pressure calculator
- 1Enter the force in newtons (N) — the total force pushing on the surface.
- 2Enter the area in square metres (m²) that the force is spread over.
- 3Read the pressure in pascals, with kilopascals and bar beside it and the full working under Show steps.
What does one atmosphere look like?
At sea level the air presses on us at about 101 325 Pa — that is 101.325 kPa or 1.01325 bar. It is a handy yardstick: if your result lands near that, you are in the range of everyday atmospheric pressure; far above it and you are likely looking at hydraulics or compressed gas.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pressure formula?
Pressure is force divided by the area it is spread over: P = F ÷ A. Rearranged, force F = P × A and area A = F ÷ P.
What units does this use?
Newtons for force and square metres for area, giving pressure in pascals (Pa), where 1 Pa = 1 N/m². The result is also shown in kilopascals (1 kPa = 1000 Pa) and bar (1 bar = 100 000 Pa).
Why does a smaller area give higher pressure?
The same force concentrated on a smaller area raises the pressure, because P = F ÷ A grows as A shrinks. That is why a sharp knife or a stiletto heel presses so hard: little area, large pressure.
How does this relate to atmospheric pressure?
Standard atmospheric pressure is about 101 325 Pa, or 101.325 kPa, or 1.01325 bar. Entering a force of 101 325 N over 1 m² reproduces exactly one atmosphere.