How do you convert MPa to PSI?

To convert MPa to PSI, multiply by 145.038: PSI = MPa × 145.038. Example: 10 MPa × 145.038 = 1,450.38 PSI. For a quick mental estimate, multiply MPa by 145. Reverse conversion: MPa = PSI ÷ 145.038. Example: 3,000 PSI ÷ 145.038 = 20.68 MPa.

What is 1 MPa in PSI?

1 MPa (megapascal) = 145.038 PSI (pounds per square inch). This is the exact conversion factor. 1 MPa = 1,000,000 Pa = 1,000 kPa = 10 bar = 9.8692 atm = 145.038 PSI.

How many MPa is 3000 PSI?

3,000 PSI = 3,000 ÷ 145.038 = 20.68 MPa. This is a common hydraulic system operating pressure. Other reference points: 1,000 PSI = 6.895 MPa; 2,000 PSI = 13.79 MPa; 5,000 PSI = 34.47 MPa; 10,000 PSI = 68.95 MPa.

What is the difference between MPa and PSI in practice?

MPa (megapascals) is the SI unit used in engineering, scientific, and most international contexts. PSI (pounds per square inch) is the US customary unit dominant in American industry, automotive, and consumer applications. Both measure the same physical quantity (pressure). In engineering practice: tire pressure 30–35 PSI = 0.207–0.241 MPa; concrete compressive strength 4,000 PSI = 27.6 MPa; hydraulic systems 3,000 PSI = 20.7 MPa.

MPa to PSI Conversion Calculator: Fast Pressure Unit Converter with Examples

1 MPa = 145.038 PSI. To convert MPa to PSI, multiply by 145.038. To convert PSI to MPa, divide by 145.038. Quick examples: 10 MPa = 1,450 PSI; 100 MPa = 14,504 PSI; 3,000 PSI = 20.68 MPa. Use our pressure converter for instant multi-unit conversions including bar, kPa, atm, and torr.

Pressure gauge and hydraulic system engineering

MPa to PSI Conversion Formula

PSI = MPa × 145.038
MPa = PSI ÷ 145.038

The exact conversion factor: 1 PSI = 1 lbf/in² = 6,894.757 Pa = 0.00689476 MPa. Therefore 1 MPa = 1/0.00689476 = 145.038 PSI.

Quick Mental Math Shortcuts

Rough estimate: Multiply MPa × 145 (error: <0.03%)
Better estimate: Multiply MPa × 145 + MPa × 0.038
Reverse rough: PSI ÷ 145 ≈ MPa (error: <0.03%)

MPa to PSI Conversion Table

MPa	PSI	kPa	bar
0.1	14.50	100	1.000
0.2	29.01	200	2.000
0.5	72.52	500	5.000
1	145.04	1,000	10.00
2	290.08	2,000	20.00
5	725.19	5,000	50.00
10	1,450.4	10,000	100.0
20	2,900.8	20,000	200.0
25	3,625.9	25,000	250.0
50	7,251.9	50,000	500.0
100	14,504	100,000	1,000
200	29,008	200,000	2,000
500	72,519	500,000	5,000
1,000	145,038	1,000,000	10,000

PSI to MPa Conversion Table (Reverse)

PSI	MPa	kPa	Common Application
30	0.207	207	Car tire pressure (standard)
35	0.241	241	Car tire pressure (high performance)
100	0.689	689	Air compressor shop pressure
500	3.45	3,447	Low-pressure hydraulics
3,000	20.68	20,684	Typical hydraulic system
5,000	34.47	34,474	High-pressure hydraulics
4,000	27.58	27,580	Concrete compressive strength (high-strength)
10,000	68.95	68,948	Ultra-high pressure industrial systems
14.696	0.1013	101.3	Atmospheric pressure (1 atm)

Engineering Reference Values: Pressure in MPa and PSI

Structural Engineering (Concrete Strengths)

Normal concrete: 20–25 MPa (2,900–3,625 PSI)
High-strength concrete: 55–80 MPa (7,980–11,600 PSI)
Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC): 150–250 MPa (21,755–36,259 PSI)
ACI code minimum (residential): 17.2 MPa (2,500 PSI)

Hydraulic Systems

Mobile hydraulics (excavators, cranes): 25–35 MPa (3,625–5,076 PSI)
Industrial hydraulics: 14–21 MPa (2,031–3,046 PSI)
High-pressure hydraulics: 35–70 MPa (5,076–10,153 PSI)
Waterjet cutting (abrasive): 275–400 MPa (39,885–58,015 PSI)

Tire Pressures

Passenger cars: 0.193–0.276 MPa (28–40 PSI)
Truck tires: 0.690–0.896 MPa (100–130 PSI)
Bicycle road tires: 0.483–0.896 MPa (70–130 PSI)
Mountain bike tires: 0.138–0.345 MPa (20–50 PSI)

Material Yield Strengths

Structural steel (A36): 250 MPa (36,260 PSI)
High-strength steel (A572 Grade 50): 345 MPa (50,038 PSI)
Aluminum 6061-T6: 276 MPa (40,030 PSI)
Titanium Ti-6Al-4V: 880 MPa (127,633 PSI)

Pressure Unit Relationships: Complete Reference

From	To PSI	To MPa	To kPa	To bar
1 MPa	145.038	1	1,000	10
1 PSI	1	0.006895	6.895	0.06895
1 kPa	0.14504	0.001	1	0.01
1 bar	14.504	0.1	100	1
1 atm	14.696	0.10133	101.33	1.01325

Related Conversion Calculators

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MPa the same as N/mm²?

Yes — exactly. 1 MPa = 1 N/mm². This is because 1 Pa = 1 N/m², and 1 MPa = 1,000,000 Pa = 1,000,000 N/m² = 1 N/mm² (since 1 m² = 1,000,000 mm²). Structural engineers commonly use N/mm² and MPa interchangeably for material strength values.

What is gauge pressure vs. absolute pressure in MPa?

Gauge pressure (MPag or PSIG) is measured relative to atmospheric pressure. Absolute pressure (MPaa or PSIA) is measured relative to absolute zero (perfect vacuum). Relationship: Absolute = Gauge + Atmospheric. At sea level: Atmospheric = 0.10133 MPa = 14.696 PSI. Example: a tire gauge reads 30 PSIG = 30 + 14.696 = 44.696 PSIA = 0.308 MPaa. Most engineering applications use gauge pressure unless otherwise specified.

Why do some specifications use kPa instead of MPa?

kPa (kilopascals) is preferred for lower pressures where MPa values would be small decimals. Common kPa applications: atmospheric pressures (~101 kPa), HVAC duct pressures (0.1–2 kPa), blood pressure (10–20 kPa), weather reporting. For pressures above ~1 MPa, MPa is typically used. Convert: 1 MPa = 1,000 kPa; 1 kPa = 0.145 PSI.