Megapascal to PSI Converter
Convert from Megapascal (MPa) to Pounds per Square Inch (PSI)
Understanding Megapascal and PSI
The megapascal (MPa) is a unit of pressure in the International System of Units (SI), equal to 1,000,000 pascals.
- 1 MPa = 1,000,000 pascals (Pa) = 1,000 kPa
- Used for high-pressure applications where kilopascals would result in large numbers
- Common in engineering, hydraulic systems, and material strength specifications
PSI (pound-force per square inch) is a unit of pressure in the imperial and US customary systems.
- Commonly used in the United States and the UK
- Standard atmospheric pressure is approximately 14.7 PSI
- Widely used for tire pressure, hydraulic systems, and many industrial applications
Conversion Formula
Megapascal to PSI:
PSI = MPa × 145.0377
To convert from megapascals to PSI, multiply the MPa value by approximately 145.0377.
PSI to Megapascal:
MPa = PSI × 0.00689476
To convert from PSI to megapascals, multiply the PSI value by approximately 0.00689476.
Megapascal to PSI Conversion Table
| Megapascal (MPa) | Pounds per Square Inch (PSI) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 145.04 |
| 2 | 290.08 |
| 3 | 435.11 |
| 4 | 580.15 |
| 5 | 725.19 |
| 6 | 870.23 |
| 7 | 1015.26 |
| 8 | 1160.30 |
| 9 | 1305.34 |
| 10 | 1450.38 |
Historical Context and Applications
Historical Development
The pascal was named after Blaise Pascal, whose experiments in the 17th century greatly advanced our understanding of pressure and vacuums. The megapascal emerged with the development of the SI system as a practical unit for describing high pressures. PSI evolved during the Industrial Revolution and has remained popular in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States. Both units are essential in different engineering contexts worldwide.
Common Applications
- Megapascal (MPa): Used in engineering for material strength (tensile strength, yield strength), hydraulic systems, high-pressure gas cylinders, industrial processes, and water jet cutting. Also used in scientific research for high-pressure experiments.
- PSI: Common in everyday applications like tire pressure, air compressors, and plumbing systems, especially in the US. Also used in industrial applications for machinery, hydraulic systems, and pneumatic tools.
Practical Examples
- Standard atmospheric pressure: 0.101325 MPa (14.7 PSI)
- Car tire pressure: 0.2-0.25 MPa (29-36 PSI)
- Fire hydrant water pressure: ~0.4-0.7 MPa (~58-100 PSI)
- Hydraulic system pressure: 10-30 MPa (1,450-4,350 PSI)
- Typical yield strength of steel: ~250 MPa (~36,000 PSI)
- Enter your value in the megapascal (MPa) field
- The converter instantly displays the equivalent in PSI
- Use the swap button to convert from PSI to megapascals instead
- Results are displayed with 6 decimal places for precision
For quick reference without calculations, refer to the conversion table above for common values.