Pressure Conversion Formula:
From: | To: |
PSIG (pounds per square inch gauge) measures pressure relative to atmospheric pressure, while PSIA (pounds per square inch absolute) measures pressure relative to a perfect vacuum. The conversion adds atmospheric pressure (approximately 14.7 psi at sea level) to gauge pressure.
The calculator uses the pressure conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula converts gauge pressure (relative to atmospheric pressure) to absolute pressure (relative to perfect vacuum).
Details: Accurate pressure conversion is essential in various engineering applications, including HVAC systems, pneumatic controls, hydraulic systems, and scientific experiments where absolute pressure measurements are required.
Tips: Enter gauge pressure in PSIG. The calculator will automatically add 14.7 to convert to absolute pressure in PSIA. The default value is set to 55 PSIG as specified.
Q1: Why is 14.7 used for atmospheric pressure?
A: 14.7 psi is the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level. Actual atmospheric pressure may vary with altitude and weather conditions.
Q2: What's the difference between PSIG and PSIA?
A: PSIG measures pressure relative to atmospheric pressure, while PSIA measures pressure relative to a perfect vacuum (absolute zero pressure).
Q3: When should I use absolute pressure vs gauge pressure?
A: Use absolute pressure for scientific calculations involving gas laws, while gauge pressure is typically used for most industrial and mechanical applications.
Q4: Does atmospheric pressure change with altitude?
A: Yes, atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing altitude. The 14.7 psi value is standard for sea level conditions.
Q5: Can this calculator handle negative gauge pressures?
A: Yes, the calculator can handle negative values (vacuum conditions) where absolute pressure would be less than atmospheric pressure.