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Kilopound per Square Inch to Megapascal Converter

Convert kilopounds per square inch to megapascals with our free online pressure converter.

Quick Answer

1 Kilopound per Square Inch = 6.894757 megapascals

Formula: Kilopound per Square Inch × 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.

Last verified: February 2026Reviewed by: Sam Mathew, Software Engineer

Kilopound per Square Inch to Megapascal Calculator

How to Use the Kilopound per Square Inch to Megapascal Calculator:

  1. Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Kilopound per Square Inch).
  2. The converted value in Megapascal will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
  3. Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Pressure category.
  4. Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
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How to Convert Kilopound per Square Inch to Megapascal: Step-by-Step Guide

Converting Kilopound per Square Inch to Megapascal involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.

Formula:

MPa = ksi × 6.89476

Example Calculation:

1 ksi = 6.894757 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.

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What is a Kilopound per Square Inch and a Megapascal?

1 ksi = 1,000 PSI = 6.895 MPa = 68.95 bar = 6,895 kPa = 47.88 atm

ksi = kilo-pound per square inch = 1,000 pounds-force per square inch

Also written as: KSI, 1000 PSI, 1 KPSI

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 Kilopound per Square Inch 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: kilopounds per square inch vs megapascals

Explore the typical applications for both Kilopound per Square Inch (imperial/US) and Megapascal (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.

Common Uses for kilopounds per square inch

Structural Steel: Yield strength, tensile strength specifications (AISC standards). Concrete: Compressive strength testing, design specs. Materials Testing: Tensile testing, compression testing. High-Pressure Systems: Hydraulics, pressure vessels, extreme pressures.

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 Kilopound per Square Inch (ksi)

How do I convert ksi to MPa?

Formula: MPa = ksi × 6.895

Examples:

  • 36 ksi = 248 MPa (A36 steel)
  • 50 ksi = 345 MPa (A992 steel)
  • 60 ksi = 414 MPa (rebar)
  • 100 ksi = 689 MPa (high-strength)
  • 1 ksi = 6.895 MPa

ksi to MPa converter →

What does "36 ksi steel" mean?

36 ksi = yield strength of structural steel

A36 Steel (most common structural):

  • Yield strength: 36,000 PSI = 36 ksi = 248 MPa
  • Tensile strength: 58-80 ksi (ultimate strength before breaking)
  • Applications: Beams, columns, general construction

Yield strength: Stress at which permanent deformation begins Tensile strength: Maximum stress before failure

Common grades:

  • A36: 36 ksi (older standard, still common)
  • A572 Grade 50: 50 ksi (modern standard)
  • A992: 50 ksi yield (I-beams, wide flanges)

How do I convert ksi to PSI?

Formula: PSI = ksi × 1,000

Examples:

  • 1 ksi = 1,000 PSI
  • 36 ksi = 36,000 PSI (A36 steel)
  • 50 ksi = 50,000 PSI (A992 steel)
  • 4 ksi = 4,000 PSI (concrete)
  • 0.1 ksi = 100 PSI

Why use ksi?: Simpler than writing "36,000 PSI"—say "36 ksi" instead

What is typical concrete strength in ksi?

Residential/Light commercial:

  • Sidewalks, patios: 3 ksi (3,000 PSI)
  • Garage floors, driveways: 3.5-4 ksi
  • Foundation slabs: 3-4 ksi

Commercial:

  • Commercial floors: 4-5 ksi
  • Parking structures: 4-5 ksi
  • Warehouse slabs: 5-6 ksi

Structural:

  • Columns, beams: 5-8 ksi
  • High-rise buildings: 8-14 ksi
  • Bridge elements: 4-6 ksi

Special:

  • Precast prestressed: 5-10 ksi
  • Ultra-high performance: 20-30 ksi

Note: Concrete strength measured at 28 days after pouring

Why does US use ksi instead of MPa?

Historical: US construction industry established with imperial units Standards: AISC, ACI, ASTM all specify ksi Training: US engineers educated with ksi Continuity: Existing specs, calculations, tables in ksi Conversion: 1 ksi ≈ 7 MPa (approximate, easy mental math)

Rest of world: Uses MPa (SI standard)

  • 36 ksi = 248 MPa (A36 steel equivalent)
  • 50 ksi = 345 MPa (common grade)

Dual labeling: International projects often show both units

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)

MPa to PSI converter →

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)

MPa to Bar converter →

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: Kilopound per Square Inch to Megapascal

Kilopound per Square Inch (ksi)Megapascal (MPa)
0.53.447
16.895
1.510.342
213.79
534.474
1068.948
25172.369
50344.738
100689.476
2501,723.689
5003,447.379
1,0006,894.757

People Also Ask

How do I convert Kilopound per Square Inch to Megapascal?

To convert Kilopound per Square Inch to Megapascal, enter the value in Kilopound per Square Inch 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.

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What is the conversion factor from Kilopound per Square Inch to Megapascal?

The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Kilopound per Square Inch 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 Kilopound per Square Inch?

Yes! You can easily convert Megapascal back to Kilopound per Square Inch by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Megapascal to Kilopound per Square Inch converter page. You can also explore other pressure conversions on our category page.

Learn more →

What are common uses for Kilopound per Square Inch and Megapascal?

Kilopound per Square Inch 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.

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Verified Against Authority Standards

All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.

NIST Reference on Constants, Units and Uncertainty

National Institute of Standards and Technology — Fundamental physical constants and unit conversions

BIPM SI Units

Bureau International des Poids et Mesures — International System of Units (SI) definitions and standards

ISO 80000

International Organization for Standardization — Quantities and units international standards series

Last verified: February 19, 2026