Convert Kilopascal to PSI
Convert kPa to PSI for tires, hydraulics, and compressors using the exact 6.89476 factor.
How to Convert Kilopascal to Psi
To convert Kilopascal to PSI, multiply kPa by 0.145038 (equivalently divide by 6.89476).
Conversion Formula:
value * 0.145038Understanding the Conversion
Kilopascal to PSI translates metric pressures into the Imperial unit common in North America. Tires, hydraulic tools, and many compressors are rated in psi, while international specs often list kPa. Using 1 psi = 6.89476 kPa, you multiply kPa by 0.145038 to get psi. This keeps results precise for safety-critical applications like tire inflation or hydraulic systems.
Examples: 220 kPa ≈ 31.9 psi (typical car tire), 101.325 kPa ≈ 14.7 psi (atmosphere), 700 kPa ≈ 101.5 psi (higher-pressure hydraulics). Converting to psi helps match gauges, placards, and equipment sold in the U.S. while maintaining metric calculations internally.
The relationship is linear and reversible—multiply psi by 6.89476 to get kPa.
Conversion Examples
Example: Convert 220 kPa to psi
- Step 1: 220 × 0.145038 ≈ 31.9.
- Step 2: Result is about 31.9 psi.
- Step 3: Matches typical car tire range.
220 kPa ≈ 31.9 psi
Common passenger tire pressure.
Example: Convert 101.325 kPa to psi
- Step 1: 101.325 × 0.145038 ≈ 14.6959.
- Step 2: Result is about 14.7 psi.
- Step 3: Matches standard atmosphere.
101.325 kPa ≈ 14.7 psi
Atmospheric reference.
Example: Convert 500 kPa to psi
- Step 1: 500 × 0.145038 ≈ 72.52.
- Step 2: Result is about 72.5 psi.
- Step 3: Useful for higher-pressure systems.
500 kPa ≈ 72.5 psi
Hydraulics/compressor range.
Conversion Formula
Multiply kPa by 0.145038 (or divide by 6.89476) to convert from metric pressure to pounds per square inch.
Conversion Chart
| Kilopascal | Psi |
|---|---|
| 50 | 7.25 |
| 100 | 14.5 |
| 150 | 21.76 |
| 200 | 29 |
| 220 | 31.9 |
| 300 | 43.5 |
| 400 | 58 |
| 500 | 72.5 |
| 600 | 87 |
| 700 | 101.5 |
Quick Conversion Tip
kPa ÷ 7 ≈ psi is a quick mental check; use 6.89476 for accuracy.
Unit Definitions
Kilopascal (kPa)
Metric pressure unit (1,000 Pa).
1 kPa = 0.145038 psi; 1 kPa = 0.01 bar; 1 kPa = 10 mbar.
Pound per Square Inch (psi)
Imperial pressure unit used widely in North America.
psi to kPa multiply by 6.89476; psi to bar multiply by 0.0689476; psi to Pa multiply by 6,894.76.
Common Use Cases
- Automotive tires: convert kPa placards to psi gauges.
- Hydraulics/pneumatics: align SI specs with psi instruments.
- Compressors and air tools: match psi-rated equipment.
- HVAC and building systems: communicate low pressures to psi users.
- QA and safety: present both kPa and psi for clarity.
- Education: illustrate SI-to-Imperial pressure scaling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 0.145038 exact?
It is derived from the exact 6.89476 kPa per psi. The calculator uses full precision.
Why convert to psi?
Many gauges and manuals in North America list psi; converting avoids misreads and meets safety specs.
Can I reverse the math easily?
Yes. Multiply psi by 6.89476 to return to kPa.