Kilopascal to Megapascal Converter
Convert kilopascals to megapascals with our free online pressure converter.
Quick Answer
1 Kilopascal = 0.001 megapascals
Formula: Kilopascal × conversion factor = Megapascal
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.
Kilopascal to Megapascal Calculator
How to Use the Kilopascal to Megapascal Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Kilopascal).
- 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 Kilopascal to Megapascal: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Kilopascal to Megapascal involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
MPa = kPa × 0.001Example Calculation:
1 kPa = 0.001 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.
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Need to convert to other pressure units?
View all Pressure conversions →What is a Kilopascal and a Megapascal?
1 kPa = 1,000 Pa = 0.145038 PSI = 0.01 bar = 10 hPa = 10 mbar = 0.00987 atm = 7.5 mmHg
Why Kilopascal?
The kilopascal is the practical SI unit for everyday pressures:
- Pascal is too small: 1 Pa = fingernail scratch pressure (not useful)
- Megapascal is too large: 1 MPa = industrial level (uncommon for most uses)
- Kilopascal is "just right": 100-300 kPa range covers most everyday pressures
- SI standard: International standard for tire pressure, medical, engineering
- Clean conversions: Exactly 0.145 PSI, exactly 0.01 bar
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 Kilopascal 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: kilopascals vs megapascals
Explore the typical applications for both Kilopascal (imperial/US) and Megapascal (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for kilopascals
Automotive: Tire pressure (international standard, except USA).
- Car manufacturers specify tire pressure in kPa on door jamb
- Repair manuals use kPa
- Tire pressure gauges often have kPa scale
Medical: Blood pressure equipment (replacing mmHg in some regions).
- Modern digital blood pressure monitors often display kPa
- Medical research uses kPa
- Gradual transition from mmHg (some regions still use mmHg)
Meteorology: Atmospheric pressure (101.325 kPa at sea level).
- European weather reports sometimes use kPa
- Upper atmosphere measurements in kPa
- Pressure profiling in meteorology
Engineering: Structural loads, material strength, HVAC systems.
- Material testing: tensile strength in MPa, stress in kPa
- Building code pressure ratings in kPa
- Water system specifications in kPa
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 Kilopascal (kPa)
How do I convert kPa to PSI?
Formula: PSI = kPa × 0.145038 (or kPa ÷ 6.895)
Examples:
- 100 kPa = 14.5 PSI
- 200 kPa = 29 PSI (bicycle tire)
- 220 kPa = 32 PSI (typical car tire)
- 240 kPa = 35 PSI (SUV tire)
- 600 kPa = 87 PSI (road bike)
What is 32 PSI in kPa?
32 PSI = 220.6 kPa (standard car tire pressure)
Common tire pressures:
- 30 PSI = 207 kPa
- 32 PSI = 221 kPa (most common)
- 35 PSI = 241 kPa (SUVs, loaded vehicles)
- 40 PSI = 276 kPa (trucks, some SUVs)
How many kPa in 1 bar?
1 bar = 100 kPa exactly
Examples:
- 0.5 bar = 50 kPa
- 1 bar = 100 kPa
- 2 bar = 200 kPa (bicycle tire)
- 2.5 bar = 250 kPa (car tire)
- 10 bar = 1,000 kPa = 1 MPa
Why do some countries use kPa and others PSI for tires?
kPa (kilopascal): International standard (SI unit)
- Used in: Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada, most of world
- Metric system, easier calculations
- Appears on all tire sidewalls globally
PSI (pounds per square inch): US customary unit
- Used in: United States primarily
- Imperial system, traditional in US
- Also appears on tire sidewalls
Dual labeling: Modern tires show both (e.g., "32 PSI / 220 kPa")
Conversion tip: Multiply kPa by 0.145 to get PSI, or divide PSI by 6.895 to get kPa
Is kPa replacing mmHg for blood pressure?
Transitioning, but slow:
mmHg still dominant: Most medical equipment, patient communication uses mmHg kPa in some regions: SI-compliant medical devices show kPa Dual display: Many modern BP monitors show both
Why slow transition?:
- Historical familiarity (120/80 mmHg)
- Medical education based on mmHg
- Patient understanding
- International guidelines still use mmHg
Conversion: 1 kPa ≈ 7.5 mmHg, so 120/80 mmHg = 16/10.7 kPa (less intuitive)
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: Kilopascal to Megapascal
| Kilopascal (kPa) | Megapascal (MPa) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.001 |
| 1 | 0.001 |
| 1.5 | 0.002 |
| 2 | 0.002 |
| 5 | 0.005 |
| 10 | 0.01 |
| 25 | 0.025 |
| 50 | 0.05 |
| 100 | 0.1 |
| 250 | 0.25 |
| 500 | 0.5 |
| 1,000 | 1 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Kilopascal to Megapascal?
To convert Kilopascal to Megapascal, enter the value in Kilopascal 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 Kilopascal to Megapascal?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Kilopascal 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 Kilopascal?
Yes! You can easily convert Megapascal back to Kilopascal by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Megapascal to Kilopascal converter page. You can also explore other pressure conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Kilopascal and Megapascal?
Kilopascal 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) • Kilopascal to Pascal
- Hectopascal (hPa) • Kilopascal to Hectopascal
- Bar (bar) • Kilopascal to Bar
- Millibar (mbar) • Kilopascal to Millibar
- Atmosphere (atm) • Kilopascal to Atmosphere
- Technical Atmosphere (at) • Kilopascal to Technical Atmosphere
- Torr (Torr) • Kilopascal to Torr
- Millimeter of Mercury (mmHg) • Kilopascal to Millimeter of Mercury
- Inch of Mercury (inHg) • Kilopascal to Inch of Mercury
- Pound per Square Inch (psi) • Kilopascal 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