Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter to Megapascal Converter
Convert kilograms-force per square centimeter to megapascals with our free online pressure converter.
Quick Answer
1 Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter = 0.098067 megapascals
Formula: Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter × conversion factor = Megapascal
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
Our Accuracy Guarantee
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.
Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter to Megapascal Calculator
How to Use the Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter to Megapascal Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter).
- The converted value in Megapascal 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 Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter to Megapascal: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter to Megapascal involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
MPa = kgf/cm² × 0.0980665Example Calculation:
1 kgf/cm² = 0.098067 MPa
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 Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter and a Megapascal?
1 kgf/cm² = 98,066.5 Pa = 98.0665 kPa = 0.980665 bar = 0.0981 MPa = 14.2233 PSI = 0.9678 atm
Also written as: kg/cm², at (technical atmosphere), kgf/cm2, kg-f/cm²
Physical meaning: Pressure exerted by 1 kilogram-force over 1 square centimeter
1 MPa = 1,000,000 Pa = 1,000 kPa = 145.038 PSI = 10 bar = 9.869 atm
Why Megapascal?
MPa is the "sweet spot" for engineering pressures:
- Pascal is too small: 1 Pa = barely measurable (atmospheric is 101,325 Pa)
- Kilopascal is too granular: Engineering specs in kPa are 4-5 digit numbers (20,000 kPa for concrete)
- MPa is optimal: Concrete 20-40 MPa (simple, memorable)
- Engineering standard: All material specs given in MPa
- SI-derived: ISO and international standards use MPa
Note: The Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Megapascal belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
Common Uses and Applications: kilograms-force per square centimeter vs megapascals
Explore the typical applications for both Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter (imperial/US) and Megapascal (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for kilograms-force per square centimeter
Older Engineering: Equipment specifications from pre-1980s. Hydraulics: Older hydraulic systems (Europe, Asia). HVAC: Refrigeration pressures (some regions). Asian Industries: Still common in China, India, Japan for some applications.
When to Use megapascals
Materials Engineering: Tensile strength, compressive strength, yield strength - THE standard unit for all material properties. Hydraulics: High-pressure hydraulic systems (construction, manufacturing, heavy equipment). Pressure Vessels: Gas cylinders, boilers, reactors, automotive fuel systems. Geotechnical: Soil bearing capacity, rock strength, foundation design. Aerospace: Structural requirements, component ratings.
Material Strengths (Compressive/Tensile)
Understanding material strength is critical for engineering design:
| Material | Type | Strength (MPa) | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | Styrofoam | Compression | 0.01-0.1 | Very weak, insulation only | | Wood (softwood) | Compression | 20-40 | Pine, spruce, fir typical | | Wood (hardwood) | Compression | 40-60 | Oak, maple stronger | | Brick | Compression | 10-40 | Varies by firing temperature | | Concrete (standard) | Compression | 20-40 | Common 28-day strength | | Concrete (high-strength) | Compression | 50-100 | Pre-stressed applications | | Granite | Compression | 100-250 | Very strong, suitable for columns | | Aluminum alloy (6061) | Tensile | 200-300 | Common structural aluminum | | Aluminum alloy (7075) | Tensile | 500-600 | High-strength aerospace | | Steel (structural ASTM A36) | Yield | 250 | Common building steel | | Steel (high-strength ASTM A572) | Yield | 345-450 | Bridge, crane applications | | Steel (ultra-high) | Tensile | 500-1,000 | Special applications | | Steel cable (wire rope) | Tensile | 1,600-2,000 | Elevators, suspension bridges | | Carbon fiber composite | Tensile | 3,000-7,000 | Aerospace, racing | | Kevlar fiber | Tensile | 3,600-3,800 | Armor, protective gear |
Design factor: Actual working stress = material strength ÷ safety factor (typically 2-4)
Hydraulic Systems (High Pressure)
Hydraulic pressure ratings define system capability:
| System Type | Operating Pressure | Peak Pressure | PSI Equivalent | Application | |---|---|---|---|---| | Automotive brake | 10-15 MPa | 20 MPa | 1,500-2,900 PSI | Car braking force | | Automobile power steering | 10-15 MPa | 20 MPa | 1,500-2,900 PSI | Steering assist | | Construction excavator | 20-35 MPa | 40 MPa | 2,900-5,800 PSI | Digging bucket | | Backhoe | 25-30 MPa | 35 MPa | 3,625-5,075 PSI | Heavy lifting | | Dump truck bed | 20-25 MPa | 30 MPa | 2,900-4,350 PSI | Lifting load | | Industrial press | 20-40 MPa | 50 MPa | 2,900-7,250 PSI | Metal forming | | Hydraulic jack | 50-70 MPa | 80 MPa | 7,250-11,600 PSI | Lifting capability | | Water jet cutter | 200-400 MPa | 450 MPa | 29,000-65,000 PSI | Material cutting | | Oil well pump | 100-200 MPa | 250 MPa | 14,500-36,250 PSI | Deep well pressure |
Pressure Vessels & Storage
Pressure ratings determine safe working limits:
| Vessel Type | Typical Pressure | Material | Working PSIG | |---|---|---|---| | Compressed air tank | 0.8-1.0 MPa | Steel | 116-145 PSI | | Propane BBQ tank | 1.5-2.0 MPa | Steel | 218-290 PSI | | Scuba tank (full) | 20-30 MPa | Aluminum/Steel | 3,000-4,350 PSI | | Natural gas vehicle | 20-25 MPa | Composite | 3,000-3,625 PSI | | Hydrogen fuel cell | 35-70 MPa | Carbon fiber | 5,000-10,000 PSI | | Industrial gas cylinder | 15-20 MPa | Steel | 2,175-2,900 PSI | | Medical oxygen | 13.8-15 MPa | Aluminum | 2,000-2,175 PSI | | Nitrogen (instrument) | 10-13.8 MPa | Steel | 1,450-2,000 PSI |
Safety factor: Pressure vessels typically designed with 4:1 to 6:1 safety margin
Geotechnical Engineering (Soil/Rock)
Foundation and excavation design based on pressure ratings:
| Material/Condition | Bearing Capacity | Suitable For | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | Soft clay | 0.05-0.2 MPa | Temporary structures | High settlement risk | | Medium clay | 0.1-0.3 MPa | Single story | Careful design needed | | Stiff clay | 0.3-0.5 MPa | Multi-story buildings | Good load capacity | | Dense sand | 0.3-0.6 MPa | Foundation base | Excellent for building | | Gravel/sand mixture | 0.6-1.0 MPa | Heavy structures | Very good bearing | | Soft rock (shale) | 1-10 MPa | Bridge supports | Rock analysis needed | | Medium rock | 10-50 MPa | Tall buildings | High capacity | | Hard rock (granite) | 50-100+ MPa | Largest structures | Excellent foundation |
Design process: Site investigation → soil tests → pressure capacity → foundation design
Additional Unit Information
About Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter (kgf/cm²)
How do I convert kgf/cm² to bar?
Formula: bar = kgf/cm² × 0.980665
Quick approximation: 1 kgf/cm² ≈ 1 bar (2% difference)
Exact examples:
- 1 kgf/cm² = 0.981 bar
- 2 kgf/cm² = 1.961 bar
- 5 kgf/cm² = 4.903 bar
- 10 kgf/cm² = 9.807 bar
- 100 kgf/cm² = 98.07 bar
Inverse: 1 bar = 1.0197 kgf/cm²
How do I convert kgf/cm² to PSI?
Formula: PSI = kgf/cm² × 14.2233
Examples:
- 1 kgf/cm² = 14.22 PSI
- 2 kgf/cm² = 28.45 PSI
- 5 kgf/cm² = 71.12 PSI
- 10 kgf/cm² = 142.23 PSI
- 100 kgf/cm² = 1,422.33 PSI
Inverse: 1 PSI = 0.0703 kgf/cm²
How do I convert kgf/cm² to kPa or MPa?
Formula: kPa = kgf/cm² × 98.0665
Examples:
- 1 kgf/cm² = 98.07 kPa = 0.0981 MPa
- 5 kgf/cm² = 490.3 kPa = 0.490 MPa
- 10 kgf/cm² = 980.7 kPa = 0.981 MPa
- 50 kgf/cm² = 4,903 kPa = 4.90 MPa
- 100 kgf/cm² = 9,807 kPa = 9.81 MPa
Quick rule: Multiply by ~100 to get kPa, divide by ~10 to get MPa
kgf/cm² to kPa converter → kgf/cm² to MPa converter →
What is the difference between kgf/cm² and kg/cm²?
Same unit: kgf/cm² and kg/cm² refer to the same thing
kgf/cm² (kilogram-force per square centimeter):
- Technically correct notation
- "kgf" explicitly indicates force, not mass
- Clearer in scientific context
kg/cm² (kilogram per square centimeter):
- Shorthand notation
- Technically incorrect (kg is mass, not force)
- Commonly used in industry, understood to mean kgf/cm²
In practice: Both notations used interchangeably. Context makes meaning clear.
Why is this unit not used anymore?
SI adoption (1970s-1980s): Most countries transitioned to SI units Ambiguity: "kg" is mass unit, not force (causes confusion) Gravity dependence: kgf assumes standard gravity (9.80665 m/s²) Better alternatives: Bar, kPa, MPa clearer and SI-compliant
Modern replacements:
- Bar: Easy conversion (1 kgf/cm² ≈ 1 bar)
- kPa: SI standard for tire pressure
- MPa: SI standard for high pressures, material strength
Still seen:
- Older equipment specifications
- Some Asian manufacturing (China, India, Japan)
- Historical engineering documents
- Legacy pressure gauges
Conversion tip: For quick estimates, treat 1 kgf/cm² as approximately 1 bar or 14 PSI.
About Megapascal (MPa)
How do I convert MPa to PSI?
Formula: PSI = MPa × 145.038
Examples:
- 1 MPa = 145 PSI
- 10 MPa = 1,450 PSI (car brakes)
- 20 MPa = 2,900 PSI (hydraulic tools)
- 30 MPa = 4,350 PSI (scuba tank)
- 70 MPa = 10,153 PSI (H2 fuel tank)
What is concrete strength in MPa?
Residential concrete: 20-32 MPa (2,900-4,650 PSI)
- Footings/slabs: 20-25 MPa
- Foundation walls: 25-30 MPa
- Driveway: 25-32 MPa
Commercial concrete: 30-50 MPa
- Floors: 30-35 MPa
- Beams/columns: 35-50 MPa
High-strength: 50-100+ MPa
- High-rise buildings: 50-80 MPa
- Bridges: 60-100 MPa
- Special applications: 100-150 MPa
Conversion: Divide PSI by 145 to get MPa (e.g., 3,000 PSI ≈ 21 MPa)
How do I convert MPa to bar?
Formula: bar = MPa × 10
Examples:
- 0.1 MPa = 1 bar
- 1 MPa = 10 bar
- 2 MPa = 20 bar
- 10 MPa = 100 bar
- 20 MPa = 200 bar (scuba tank)
What is a typical hydraulic system pressure?
Low pressure: 7-14 MPa (1,000-2,000 PSI)
- Automotive power steering: 8-12 MPa
- Light hydraulic lifts: 7-10 MPa
Medium pressure: 14-21 MPa (2,000-3,000 PSI)
- Construction equipment: 20-25 MPa
- Agricultural machinery: 14-20 MPa
- Automotive brakes: 10-15 MPa
High pressure: 21-35 MPa (3,000-5,000 PSI)
- Industrial presses: 25-35 MPa
- Heavy construction: 30-35 MPa
- Excavators: 30-35 MPa
Very high pressure: >35 MPa (>5,000 PSI)
- Hydraulic jacks: 50-70 MPa
- Specialized industrial: 70-100 MPa
Why use MPa instead of PSI for material strength?
SI standard: International engineering uses MPa universally Simpler numbers: 400 MPa vs 58,000 PSI Scientific: Consistent with stress calculations (force/area in N/m²) Global: Specifications understood worldwide
Conversion: PSI ÷ 145 ≈ MPa (or PSI × 0.00689 = MPa)
Example: Steel yield strength
- As MPa: 250-400 MPa (easy)
- As PSI: 36,000-58,000 PSI (unwieldy)
Conversion Table: Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter to Megapascal
| Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter (kgf/cm²) | Megapascal (MPa) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.049 |
| 1 | 0.098 |
| 1.5 | 0.147 |
| 2 | 0.196 |
| 5 | 0.49 |
| 10 | 0.981 |
| 25 | 2.452 |
| 50 | 4.903 |
| 100 | 9.807 |
| 250 | 24.517 |
| 500 | 49.033 |
| 1,000 | 98.067 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter to Megapascal?
To convert Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter to Megapascal, enter the value in Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter 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 Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter to Megapascal?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter and Megapascal. 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 Megapascal back to Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter?
Yes! You can easily convert Megapascal back to Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Megapascal to Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter converter page. You can also explore other pressure conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter and Megapascal?
Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter and Megapascal 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.
Helpful Conversion Guides
Learn more about unit conversion with our comprehensive guides:
📚 How to Convert Units
Step-by-step guide to unit conversion with practical examples.
🔢 Conversion Formulas
Essential formulas for pressure and other conversions.
⚖️ Metric vs Imperial
Understand the differences between measurement systems.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Learn about frequent errors and how to avoid them.
All Pressure Conversions
Other Pressure Units and Conversions
Explore other pressure units and their conversion options:
- Pascal (Pa) • Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter to Pascal
- Kilopascal (kPa) • Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter to Kilopascal
- Hectopascal (hPa) • Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter to Hectopascal
- Bar (bar) • Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter to Bar
- Millibar (mbar) • Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter to Millibar
- Atmosphere (atm) • Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter to Atmosphere
- Technical Atmosphere (at) • Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter to Technical Atmosphere
- Torr (Torr) • Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter to Torr
- Millimeter of Mercury (mmHg) • Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter to Millimeter of Mercury
- Inch of Mercury (inHg) • Kilogram-force per Square Centimeter 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