Kilopascal to PSI Converter
Our free force pressure & torque converter handles kilo pascal psiconverter conversions. See tables, ratios, and examples for quick reference.
Reviewed by Manoj Kumar, Mathematics Educator
Formula
PSI = kPa x 0.145038
Multiply kilopascals by 0.145038 to get PSI. To convert PSI to kPa, multiply by 6.89476. For bar, divide kPa by 100. For atmospheres, divide kPa by 101.325. For mmHg, multiply kPa by 7.50062.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Converting Tire Pressure
Problem:A tire placard says 240 kPa. What is that in PSI?
Solution:PSI = kPa x 0.145038\nPSI = 240 x 0.145038 = 34.8091 PSI\nbar = 240 / 100 = 2.4000 bar\natm = 240 / 101.325 = 2.3686 atm
Result:240 kPa = 34.8091 PSI = 2.40 bar
Example 2: Converting Water Pressure
Problem:A pressure gauge reads 55 PSI. Convert to kilopascals.
Solution:kPa = PSI x 6.89476\nkPa = 55 x 6.89476 = 379.2118 kPa\nbar = 379.2118 / 100 = 3.7921 bar\natm = 379.2118 / 101.325 = 3.7425 atm
Result:55 PSI = 379.2118 kPa = 3.79 bar
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the conversion factor from kilopascals to PSI?
One kilopascal equals 0.145038 pounds per square inch (PSI). Conversely, one PSI equals 6.89476 kilopascals. The pascal is the SI unit of pressure defined as one newton per square meter, so a kilopascal is 1,000 pascals. PSI is defined as one pound-force applied over one square inch of area. These conversion factors are exact to six significant figures and are used internationally in engineering, automotive, and industrial applications.
Why do some countries use kPa and others use PSI?
Countries that adopted the metric system use kilopascals as their standard pressure unit because the pascal is the SI unit of pressure. The United States, along with a few other countries still using imperial measurements, primarily uses PSI. In the automotive industry, tire pressure is listed in kPa in most of the world but in PSI in North America. Many pressure gauges are dual-labeled with both units to accommodate international standards and make it easier for users across different regions.
What are common pressure values in kPa and PSI?
Standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is 101.325 kPa or 14.696 PSI. A typical car tire pressure of 32 PSI equals about 220.6 kPa. A bicycle road tire at 100 PSI is approximately 689.5 kPa. Household water pressure usually runs between 275-550 kPa (40-80 PSI). Scuba tanks are filled to about 20,684 kPa (3,000 PSI). These reference values are helpful for quickly checking whether a conversion result is in the right ballpark.
References
Reviewed by Manoj Kumar, Mathematics Educator · Editorial policy