Pascals (Pa)
The pascal (Pa) is the SI derived unit of pressure, defined as one newton per square meter (1 Pa = 1 N/m²). It quantifies force applied evenly over an area and is expressed as kg·m⁻¹·s⁻² in base SI units [bipm-si-brochure].
Origin
Named after Blaise Pascal, the pascal was adopted by BIPM in 1971 to replace older pressure units and standardize measurement in the SI system. It reflects the link between force and area in pressure measurements [bipm-si-brochure].
Worldwide Use
Pascals are the standard pressure unit in scientific research, meteorology, and engineering globally. Countries following SI, including members of ISO and NIST guidelines, use pascals for atmospheric and mechanical pressure [nist-si-guide].
Common References
- Standard atmospheric pressure is 101,325 Pa
- Tire inflation pressures range from 200,000 to 300,000 Pa
- Human blood pressure is about 16,000 Pa (120 mmHg)
- Vacuum chambers operate below 1,000 Pa
- Building codes specify pressure resistance in pascals
Pascals → Kilopascals1 Pa = 0.001 kPaPascals → Megapascals1 Pa = 0 MPaPascals → Hectopascals1 Pa = 0.01 hPaPascals → Bars1 Pa = 0 barPascals → Millibars1 Pa = 0.01 mbarPascals → Atmospheres1 Pa = 0 atmPascals → Torr1 Pa = 0.0075 TorrPascals → Millimeters of Mercury1 Pa = 0.0075 mmHgPascals → Pounds per Square Inch1 Pa = 0.0001 psiPascals → Kilopounds per Square Inch1 Pa = 0 ksiPascals → Inches of Mercury1 Pa = 0.0003 inHgPascals → Inches of Water1 Pa = 0.004 inH₂O