EngineeringFormulaPressure Conversion
Convert psi to kPa
1 psi = 6.8948 kPa
US pressure gauges, tire specs, and hydraulic ratings read in psi; most engineering calculations and international datasheets use kPa. This is one of the most commonly looked-up unit conversions in mechanical and fluid work.
1 psi is 1 pound-force per square inch. Converting force (1 lbf = 4.44822 N) and area (1 in² = 0.00064516 m²) gives 1 psi = 4.44822 / 0.00064516 = 6,894.76 Pa = 6.89476 kPa.
A car tire inflated to 32 psi is at about 221 kPa - the number printed on many imported vehicles' tire placards.
Reference Table
| pounds per square inch (psi) | kilopascals (kPa) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 6.8948 |
| 5 | 34.474 |
| 10 | 68.948 |
| 25 | 172.37 |
| 50 | 344.74 |
| 100 | 689.48 |
Used In These Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this conversion assume gauge or absolute pressure?
The conversion factor itself doesn't care - it applies identically whether the psi value is gauge (psig) or absolute (psia), since it's a pure unit conversion, not a reference-point change. What matters is keeping the reference consistent: converting 32 psig gives 221 kPa gauge, not absolute, unless atmospheric pressure is added separately.
Is psi the same thing as ksi?
No - ksi means thousands of psi (1 ksi = 1,000 psi) and is used almost exclusively for material stress and strength values in structural and mechanical engineering, not for fluid or gas pressure. Seeing "36 ksi" on a steel spec means 36,000 psi of yield stress, not a pressure reading.
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