How to Convert Kilopascals to Atmospheres (kPa to atm)
Pressure conversions are used for tyre pressure (psi or bar), blood pressure readings in mmHg and weather maps in millibars. This guide shows how to convert kilopascals into atmospheres by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert kilopascals to atmospheres, multiply the value by 0.0098692327. To go the other way, divide by the same number (or multiply by 101.325). For a quick estimate, multiply by about 0.0099.
Atmospheres = kilopascals × 0.0098692327
Worked examples
- 3 kPa = 0.029608 atm
- 12.5 kPa = 0.123365 atm
- 75 kPa = 0.740192 atm
Kilopascals to Atmospheres table
| Kilopascals | Atmospheres |
|---|---|
| 1 kPa | 0.009869 atm |
| 2 kPa | 0.019738 atm |
| 5 kPa | 0.049346 atm |
| 10 kPa | 0.098692 atm |
| 20 kPa | 0.197385 atm |
| 25 kPa | 0.246731 atm |
| 50 kPa | 0.493462 atm |
| 100 kPa | 0.986923 atm |
| 250 kPa | 2.4673 atm |
| 500 kPa | 4.9346 atm |
| 1,000 kPa | 9.8692 atm |
Common questions
Is kPa to atm exact?
The factors used here are the internationally defined values where they exist; results are rounded for display only.
How do I convert back?
Use the Atmospheres to Kilopascals converter.
Mistakes to avoid
Rounding the factor too early
Using 3 instead of 3.28 for feet per metre introduces an error of almost 9% before you have started.
Forgetting squared and cubed units
Area and volume factors are the length factor squared or cubed, so 1 m² is about 10.76 sq ft, not 3.28.
Multiplying when you should divide
Converting to a smaller unit gives a bigger number, and converting to a larger unit gives a smaller one. If your answer moves the wrong way, you have inverted the factor.
Background
Unit conversion is simply multiplication by a fixed ratio. The ratio between two units of the same quantity never changes, so once you know it you can convert any value in either direction.
Writing the units next to every number while you work is the simplest way to avoid mistakes. If the units do not cancel to leave the one you want, the calculation is set up wrongly.
A conversion table is handy for common values, but a calculator is faster and avoids interpolation errors for anything in between.
For any value, use the Kilopascals to Atmospheres Converter or browse all pressure converters.
Run your own numbers: Kilopascals to Atmospheres Converter