Force From Pressure Calculator
Calculate force using pressure and area with multiple unit conversions
Calculator
Formula
F = P × A
Where:
- F = Force (N)
- P = Pressure (Pa)
- A = Area (m²)
Key Points
- Force is directly proportional to pressure
- Force is directly proportional to area
- Commonly used in hydraulic systems
- Essential for engineering calculations
How to Calculate Force from Pressure
Step 1: Identify the Pressure
Determine the pressure value acting on the surface. This can be gauge pressure, absolute pressure, or differential pressure depending on your application.
Step 2: Determine the Area
Calculate or measure the area over which the pressure is applied. For circular areas, use A = πr². For rectangular areas, use A = length × width.
Step 3: Apply the Formula
Multiply the pressure by the area: F = P × A. Ensure units are consistent (Pa and m² for force in Newtons).
Step 4: Convert Units if Needed
Convert the result to your desired force units (N, kN, lbf, etc.) using appropriate conversion factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate force from pressure?
Force is calculated from pressure using the formula F = P × A, where F is force, P is pressure, and A is the area over which pressure is applied. The pressure must be in consistent units with the area to get the correct force units.
What units can I use for pressure in this calculator?
The calculator supports multiple pressure units including Pascal (Pa), kilopascal (kPa), megapascal (MPa), bar, pounds per square inch (psi), atmosphere (atm), millimeters of mercury (mmHg), and torr.
What is the relationship between force and pressure?
Pressure is force per unit area (P = F/A). Therefore, force equals pressure multiplied by area (F = P × A). They are directly proportional when area remains constant – doubling the pressure doubles the force.
Can I calculate hydraulic cylinder force using this calculator?
Yes, this calculator is perfect for hydraulic applications. Enter the hydraulic pressure and the cylinder’s cross-sectional area (πr² for circular pistons) to determine the output force. This is commonly used in hydraulic press and cylinder calculations.
How do I calculate the area for different shapes?
For circles: A = πr² (where r is radius). For rectangles: A = length × width. For squares: A = side². For triangles: A = ½ × base × height. For complex shapes, break them into simpler shapes and add the areas.
What are common applications of force from pressure calculations?
Common applications include hydraulic systems (cylinders, presses), pneumatic systems, structural engineering (wind loads, fluid loads), automotive (brake systems), and aerospace (pressure vessel design).