Pound per Square Inch to Kilopascal Formula
kPa = psi × 6.894757293168
Conversion factors follow SI relationships published by BIPM and NIST, where those standards apply.
Reverse: psi = kPa × 0.14503773773. Both factors come from 1 lbf = 4.4482216152605 N and 1 in = 25.4 mm exactly.
Pound per Square Inch to Kilopascal Converter
Quick Answer
1 psi = 6.89476 kPa
Formula: Kilopascal = Pound per Square Inch x 6.89476
Quick values
Sources
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI), including appendix conversion factors.
- BIPM SI Brochure — Definitions of the pascal, watt, and other SI derived units.
- NIST SI units of pressure — Pascal as force per area (N/m²); kilopascal is 10³ Pa.
Worked examples
- 32 psi passenger-car tire: 32 × 6.894757293168 = 220.632 kPa
- 14.696 psi standard atmosphere: 14.696 × 6.894757293168 = 101.325 kPa
- 100 psi shop air: 100 × 6.894757293168 = 689.476 kPa
What is psi to kilopascals?
Pounds-force per square inch convert to kilopascals with the NIST factor 1 psi = 6.894757293168 kPa. Tire and compressor gauges are usually gauge pressure, not absolute.
FormulakPa = psi × 6.894757293168
Key conversions
- 1 psi = 6.894757 kPa = 6 894.757 Pa
- 1 kPa = 0.145038 psi
- Standard atmosphere = 14.696 psi = 101.325 kPa
How many kilopascals are in 1 psi?
One pound-force per square inch equals 6.894757293168 kilopascals. The factor is the SI definition of the pound-force (4.4482216152605 N) divided by the square inch (6.4516 × 10⁻⁴ m²). Tire gauges, compressor nameplates, and ASME pressure-vessel notes still print psi; process, HVAC, and most ISO datasheets print kPa or bar.
The calculator on this page multiplies psi by that NIST factor. It does not add atmospheric pressure: a 32 psi tire reading is gauge pressure (about 220.6 kPa gauge), not absolute pressure. Add 101.325 kPa only when a specification asks for kPa(a).
Category hub: Pressure Conversion · Conversion charts · Conversion formulas
Pound per Square Inch to Kilopascal Conversion Table
Common gauge pressures used on tires, compressors, and plant utilities
| Pound per Square Inch (psi) | Kilopascal (kPa) |
|---|---|
| 1 psi | 6.89476 kPa |
| 5 psi | 34.4738 kPa |
| 10 psi | 68.9476 kPa |
| 14.696 psi | 101.325 kPa |
| 30 psi | 206.843 kPa |
| 32 psi | 220.632 kPa |
| 35 psi | 241.317 kPa |
| 50 psi | 344.738 kPa |
| 80 psi | 551.581 kPa |
| 100 psi | 689.476 kPa |
| 150 psi | 1034.21 kPa |
| 200 psi | 1378.95 kPa |
Values are gauge unless marked. 14.696 psi is the conventional standard atmosphere (absolute).
Browse all conversion charts → · Browse conversion formulas →
Practical use cases for Pound per Square Inch to Kilopascal
Tire and Vehicle Service
Passenger-car tire placards in the US are often in PSI, while many gauges and shop manuals list kPa or bar. Converting before inflation avoids under- or over-pressurizing a tire.
HVAC and Hydronics
Boiler, chiller, and duct-pressure specs mix PSI, kPa, and inches of water. Field techs convert so setpoints match the equipment nameplate.
Process and Plant Engineering
P&IDs and relief-valve datasheets may use PSI, bar, or kPa depending on the region. Accurate conversion is required before sizing piping and safety devices.
Meteorology and Aviation
Altimeter and station-pressure reports use inHg, hPa, or kPa. Pilots and weather desks convert between those scales for briefings and QNH settings.
Medical and Laboratory Gases
Cylinder pressures and ventilator settings are published in different units by manufacturer and country. Clinicians convert to the unit on the local gauge.
Hydraulics and Pneumatics
Pump and compressor curves are often published in bar or kPa while US shop drawings stay in PSI. Converting keeps actuator force and regulator settings consistent.
Pound per Square Inch to Kilopascal FAQs
Common questions about converting pound per square inch to kilopascal.
What is the exact formula for psi to kPa?
Multiply the psi value by 6.894757293168. That is the coherent SI factor used by NIST SP 811: one pound-force per square inch is 6 894.757 Pa, which is 6.894757 kPa. For hand estimates, 1 psi ≈ 6.89 kPa or 7 kPa.
Is 1 psi equal to 6.895 kPa or 6.894757 kPa?
The rounded engineering value 6.895 kPa is fine for field notes. This calculator uses 6.894757293168 kPa so that 14.696 psi recovers the conventional 101.325 kPa atmosphere. Do not mix the two roundings in the same calculation.
Does a tire gauge read gauge or absolute pressure?
Consumer tire gauges read gauge pressure — the difference from local atmosphere. Converting 35 psi to 241.3 kPa does not include the extra ~101 kPa of air around the tire. Specs that say “kPa abs” or “psia” need that offset added after the unit conversion.
How do I convert kPa back to psi?
Divide by 6.894757293168, or multiply by 0.14503773773. Example: 200 kPa × 0.14503773773 = 29.0075 psi. The reverse converter on this page applies the same factor.
Why do HVAC and hydraulics mix psi and kPa on one drawing?
US equipment is often rated in psi while the same plant’s P&ID uses SI. Convert the number first, then keep gauge versus absolute consistent. A 150 psi relief valve is 1 034 kPa gauge, not 1 135 kPa absolute.
Charts and printable PDF
Use the matching pound per square inch / kilopascal chart when you need a printable table or offline reference.
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