Atmosphere to Inch of Water Column Converter
Convert atmospheres to inches of water column with our free online pressure converter.
Quick Answer
1 Atmosphere = 406.782464 inches of water column
Formula: Atmosphere × conversion factor = Inch of Water Column
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
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All conversion formulas on UnitsConverter.io have been verified against NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines and international SI standards. Our calculations are accurate to 10 decimal places for standard conversions and use arbitrary precision arithmetic for astronomical units.
Atmosphere to Inch of Water Column Calculator
How to Use the Atmosphere to Inch of Water Column Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Atmosphere).
- The converted value in Inch of Water Column will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Pressure category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Atmosphere to Inch of Water Column: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Atmosphere to Inch of Water Column involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
inH₂O = atm × 406.782Example Calculation:
1 atm = 406.782464 inH₂O
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
Need to convert to other pressure units?
View all Pressure conversions →What is a Atmosphere and a Inch of Water Column?
1 atm = 101,325 Pa = 101.325 kPa = 14.696 PSI = 1.01325 bar = 760 mmHg = 760 Torr = 29.92 inHg
Why "Atmosphere"?
The atmosphere unit is uniquely important because:
- Defined exactly: CIPM (1954) set 1 atm = 101,325 Pa (exact)
- Sea level reference: Based on average atmospheric pressure (not variable)
- Universal constant: Used identically worldwide (unlike PSI or bar)
- Chemistry standard: All chemistry/physics equations reference 1 atm conditions
- STP baseline: "Standard Temperature and Pressure" = 0°C, 1 atm exactly
1 inH₂O = 249.1 Pa = 2.491 mbar = 0.2491 hPa = 0.0361 PSI = 0.00249 bar = 0.0736 inHg = 1.868 mmH₂O
Also written as: in wc (inches water column), "H₂O, inAq
Physical meaning: Pressure exerted by 1-inch column of water at standard conditions
Note: The Atmosphere is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Inch of Water Column belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
Common Uses and Applications: atmospheres vs inches of water column
Explore the typical applications for both Atmosphere (imperial/US) and Inch of Water Column (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for atmospheres
Chemistry: Gas laws (PV=nRT), reaction conditions, vapor pressures, standard conditions (STP).
- Ideal Gas Law: P V = n R T (pressures typically in atm in chemistry)
- Gas tables: Vapor pressures often given at 1 atm
- STP (Standard Temperature & Pressure): Exactly 1 atm, 0°C (sometimes 25°C modern definition)
Diving: Depth pressure calculations (1 atm per 10m/33ft water).
- Critical for: Decompression sickness risk, nitrogen narcosis, oxygen toxicity
- Rule of thumb: Every 10 meters adds 1 atm pressure
Physics: Standard reference pressure for equations, thermodynamics.
- Thermodynamics: Heat capacities typically defined at 1 atm
- Boiling points: Water boils at 100°C only at 1 atm
- Phase diagrams: Reference state for matter phase transitions
Engineering: High-pressure systems, pressure vessels, gas storage.
- Vessel ratings: Designed for X psig over 1 atm ambient
- Cylinder classifications: Based on working pressure as multiples of atm
When to Use inches of water column
HVAC: Duct pressure, fan static pressure, filter pressure drop. Building Systems: Room pressurization, clean room differentials. Industrial: Low-pressure gas systems, ventilation. Testing: Air tightness testing, pressure differential measurements.
Additional Unit Information
About Atmosphere (atm)
How many PSI is 1 atmosphere?
1 atm = 14.696 PSI (often rounded to 14.7 PSI)
Examples:
- 2 atm = 29.4 PSI (10m dive depth)
- 3 atm = 44.1 PSI (20m dive depth)
- 10 atm = 147 PSI (compressed air)
- 100 atm = 1,470 PSI (gas cylinder)
How many atmospheres in a bar?
1 bar = 0.986923 atm (approximately 1 atm, ~1.3% difference)
Conversion:
- 1 atm = 1.01325 bar
- 10 atm = 10.1325 bar
- 100 atm = 101.325 bar
- 200 atm = 202.65 bar (scuba tank)
Why different?: Bar defined as exactly 100,000 Pa; atm defined as 101,325 Pa.
What pressure is 2 atmospheres?
2 atm = 202,650 Pa = 202.65 kPa = 29.4 PSI = 2.026 bar = 1,520 mmHg
Physical meaning:
- Diving 10 meters (33 feet) underwater
- Absolute pressure at 10m depth
- Double the surface atmospheric pressure
- Pressure inside a pressure cooker
How do I calculate diving depth pressure?
Formula: Total Pressure (atm) = 1 + (Depth in meters ÷ 10)
Or: Total Pressure (atm) = 1 + (Depth in feet ÷ 33)
Examples:
- 10m (33ft): 1 + (10÷10) = 2 atm
- 20m (66ft): 1 + (20÷10) = 3 atm
- 30m (99ft): 1 + (30÷10) = 4 atm
- 40m (131ft): 1 + (40÷10) = 5 atm
Note: Freshwater calculation uses 10.3m; saltwater 10m per atmosphere.
What is STP in chemistry?
STP (Standard Temperature and Pressure):
- Pressure: 1 atm = 101,325 Pa = 100 kPa (IUPAC uses 100 kPa)
- Temperature: 0°C = 273.15 K
Purpose: Reference conditions for gas law calculations
Molar volume at STP: 22.414 L/mol (IUPAC: 22.711 L/mol at 100 kPa)
SATP (Standard Ambient):
- Pressure: 1 atm = 101,325 Pa
- Temperature: 25°C = 298.15 K
- Molar volume: 24.465 L/mol
More commonly used in modern chemistry.
About Inch of Water Column (inH₂O)
How do I convert inH₂O to PSI?
Formula: PSI = inH₂O × 0.0361273
Examples:
- 1 inH₂O = 0.036 PSI
- 2 inH₂O = 0.072 PSI (typical duct)
- 5 inH₂O = 0.181 PSI
- 10 inH₂O = 0.361 PSI (gas manifold)
- 27.7 inH₂O = 1 PSI
How do I convert inH₂O to Pascals or mbar?
Formula:
- Pa = inH₂O × 249.1
- mbar = inH₂O × 2.491
Examples:
- 1 inH₂O = 249.1 Pa = 2.49 mbar
- 0.5 inH₂O = 124.5 Pa = 1.25 mbar (residential duct)
- 2 inH₂O = 498 Pa = 4.98 mbar (commercial duct)
- 4 inH₂O = 996 Pa = 9.96 mbar (high static)
What is normal static pressure in HVAC?
Residential systems:
- Total external static pressure: 0.4-0.8 inH₂O (target)
- Supply side: 0.2-0.5 inH₂O
- Return side: 0.1-0.3 inH₂O
High static pressure problems (>1.0 inH₂O total):
- Reduced airflow
- Higher energy costs
- Shortened equipment life
- Possible compressor damage
Low static pressure (<0.3 inH₂O):
- May indicate oversized ductwork
- Can cause noise issues
Commercial/Industrial: 1-4 inH₂O typical (design dependent)
When should I replace an HVAC filter?
Pressure drop method (most accurate):
- MERV 8: Replace at 0.5 inH₂O
- MERV 11-13: Replace at 0.7-1.0 inH₂O
- HEPA: Replace at 2-3 inH₂O
Without gauge:
- Monthly inspection
- Every 1-3 months residential
- More often if pets, allergies, construction
Measure with: Magnehelic gauge or manometer across filter
Why use inH₂O instead of PSI for HVAC?
Appropriate scale: HVAC pressures very low (0.1-2 inH₂O = 0.004-0.072 PSI) Historical: Water manometers traditional measurement tool Precision: Easier to read 0.5 inH₂O than 0.018 PSI Industry standard: ASHRAE, building codes specify inH₂O Instruments: Magnehelic gauges, manometers calibrated in inH₂O
Conversion: ~28 inH₂O = 1 PSI (HVAC uses tiny fraction of PSI)
Conversion Table: Atmosphere to Inch of Water Column
| Atmosphere (atm) | Inch of Water Column (inH₂O) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 203.391 |
| 1 | 406.783 |
| 1.5 | 610.174 |
| 2 | 813.565 |
| 5 | 2,033.912 |
| 10 | 4,067.825 |
| 25 | 10,169.562 |
| 50 | 20,339.123 |
| 100 | 40,678.246 |
| 250 | 101,695.616 |
| 500 | 203,391.232 |
| 1,000 | 406,782.465 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Atmosphere to Inch of Water Column?
To convert Atmosphere to Inch of Water Column, enter the value in Atmosphere in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our pressure converter page to convert between other units in this category.
Learn more →What is the conversion factor from Atmosphere to Inch of Water Column?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Atmosphere and Inch of Water Column. You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.
Can I convert Inch of Water Column back to Atmosphere?
Yes! You can easily convert Inch of Water Column back to Atmosphere by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Inch of Water Column to Atmosphere converter page. You can also explore other pressure conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Atmosphere and Inch of Water Column?
Atmosphere and Inch of Water Column are both standard units used in pressure measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our pressure converter for more conversion options.
For more pressure conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.
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All Pressure Conversions
Other Pressure Units and Conversions
Explore other pressure units and their conversion options:
- Pascal (Pa) • Atmosphere to Pascal
- Kilopascal (kPa) • Atmosphere to Kilopascal
- Megapascal (MPa) • Atmosphere to Megapascal
- Hectopascal (hPa) • Atmosphere to Hectopascal
- Bar (bar) • Atmosphere to Bar
- Millibar (mbar) • Atmosphere to Millibar
- Technical Atmosphere (at) • Atmosphere to Technical Atmosphere
- Torr (Torr) • Atmosphere to Torr
- Millimeter of Mercury (mmHg) • Atmosphere to Millimeter of Mercury
- Inch of Mercury (inHg) • Atmosphere to Inch of Mercury
Verified Against Authority Standards
All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.
National Institute of Standards and Technology — Fundamental physical constants and unit conversions
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures — International System of Units (SI) definitions and standards
International Organization for Standardization — Quantities and units international standards series
Last verified: February 19, 2026