Inch of Mercury to Atmosphere Converter
Convert inches of mercury to atmospheres with our free online pressure converter.
Quick Answer
1 Inch of Mercury = 0.033421 atmospheres
Formula: Inch of Mercury × conversion factor = Atmosphere
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.
Inch of Mercury to Atmosphere Calculator
How to Use the Inch of Mercury to Atmosphere Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Inch of Mercury).
- The converted value in Atmosphere 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 Inch of Mercury to Atmosphere: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Inch of Mercury to Atmosphere involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
atm = inHg × 0.0334211Example Calculation:
1 inHg = 0.033421 atm
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.
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Need to convert to other pressure units?
View all Pressure conversions →What is a Inch of Mercury and a Atmosphere?
1 inHg = 3,386.39 Pa = 3.386 kPa = 33.86 mbar = 33.86 hPa = 0.491 PSI = 0.0334 bar = 0.0334 atm = 25.4 mmHg
Key relationship: 29.92 inHg = 1 atmosphere (exactly)
Origin: Mercury Column
The unit literally measures how high mercury rises:
- Historical: Barometers invented in 1600s used mercury column
- Measurement: Mercury rises/falls with atmospheric pressure
- 1 inHg: Mercury column exactly 1 inch high
- 29.92 inHg: Mercury rises 29.92 inches at sea level (1 atm)
- Why mercury?: Highest density liquid (narrow barometer), visible, stable
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
Note: The Inch of Mercury is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Atmosphere belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
Common Uses and Applications: inches of mercury vs atmospheres
Explore the typical applications for both Inch of Mercury (imperial/US) and Atmosphere (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for inches of mercury
US Weather: Barometric pressure in weather forecasts, NOAA reports - THE US standard. Aviation: Altimeter settings (US standard, some international - critical for flight safety). HVAC: Vacuum measurements, duct pressure, system diagnostics. Historical meteorology: Traditional US measurement since early 1900s.
When to Use 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
Additional Unit Information
About Inch of Mercury (inHg)
How do I convert inHg to PSI?
Formula: PSI = inHg × 0.491154
Examples:
- 29.92 inHg = 14.7 PSI (sea level)
- 30 inHg = 14.74 PSI
- 28 inHg = 13.75 PSI (hurricane)
- 25 inHg = 12.28 PSI
- 20 inHg = 9.82 PSI
How many inHg is normal atmospheric pressure?
Standard sea level = 29.92 inHg (exactly 1 atmosphere)
Typical weather range: 29.4-30.5 inHg
Pressure variations:
- High pressure: 30.2-30.5 inHg (fair weather)
- Normal: 29.8-30.2 inHg
- Low pressure: 29.4-29.8 inHg (rain likely)
- Storm: <29.4 inHg
Barometer rising/falling:
- Rising: Improving weather
- Steady: Conditions stable
- Falling: Weather deteriorating
How do I convert inHg to mbar or hPa?
Formula: mbar (or hPa) = inHg × 33.8639
Examples:
- 29.92 inHg = 1,013.25 mbar = 1,013.25 hPa (standard)
- 30.0 inHg = 1,016 mbar
- 29.0 inHg = 982 mbar (low pressure)
- 28.0 inHg = 948 mbar (hurricane)
- 31.0 inHg = 1,050 mbar (high pressure)
inHg to mbar converter → inHg to hPa converter →
Why does US use inHg instead of mbar/hPa?
Historical: US adopted imperial/customary units Mercury barometers: Traditionally marked in inches in US Weather tradition: NOAA, Weather Channel use inHg since inception Familiarity: Public knows "normal is about 30 inches" Aviation: US pilots trained with inHg altimeter settings
Rest of world: Uses mbar or hPa (metric standard)
Conversion: 30 inHg ≈ 1,000 mbar (approximately)
Trend: Slow transition—some US reports now show both units
How do I read a mercury barometer in inHg?
How it works: Mercury column rises/falls with atmospheric pressure
Reading:
- Look at top of mercury meniscus (curved surface)
- Read scale at eye level to avoid parallax error
- Scale typically 28-31 inHg range
Interpreting:
- 30.2-30.5 inHg: High pressure (fair, clear weather)
- 29.8-30.2 inHg: Normal (stable conditions)
- 29.4-29.8 inHg: Low pressure (clouds, possible rain)
- <29.4 inHg: Very low (storm likely)
Trend matters: Falling rapidly = weather worsening; Rising = improving
Adjustment: Correct for altitude (sea level reading)
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.
Conversion Table: Inch of Mercury to Atmosphere
| Inch of Mercury (inHg) | Atmosphere (atm) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.017 |
| 1 | 0.033 |
| 1.5 | 0.05 |
| 2 | 0.067 |
| 5 | 0.167 |
| 10 | 0.334 |
| 25 | 0.836 |
| 50 | 1.671 |
| 100 | 3.342 |
| 250 | 8.355 |
| 500 | 16.711 |
| 1,000 | 33.421 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Inch of Mercury to Atmosphere?
To convert Inch of Mercury to Atmosphere, enter the value in Inch of Mercury 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 Inch of Mercury to Atmosphere?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Inch of Mercury and Atmosphere. 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 Atmosphere back to Inch of Mercury?
Yes! You can easily convert Atmosphere back to Inch of Mercury by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Atmosphere to Inch of Mercury converter page. You can also explore other pressure conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Inch of Mercury and Atmosphere?
Inch of Mercury and Atmosphere 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) • Inch of Mercury to Pascal
- Kilopascal (kPa) • Inch of Mercury to Kilopascal
- Megapascal (MPa) • Inch of Mercury to Megapascal
- Hectopascal (hPa) • Inch of Mercury to Hectopascal
- Bar (bar) • Inch of Mercury to Bar
- Millibar (mbar) • Inch of Mercury to Millibar
- Technical Atmosphere (at) • Inch of Mercury to Technical Atmosphere
- Torr (Torr) • Inch of Mercury to Torr
- Millimeter of Mercury (mmHg) • Inch of Mercury to Millimeter of Mercury
- Pound per Square Inch (psi) • Inch of Mercury to Pound per Square Inch
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