Hydrostatic Pressure Calculator
Enter fluid density and depth to compute the hydrostatic pressure p = ρ·g·h.
Input Data
Results
At a glance:Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by a fluid at rest due to its weight. At depth h below the free surface, p = ρ·g·h (gauge pressure, the amount above atmospheric), where ρ is density and g ≈ 9.81 m/s². The absolute pressure adds atmospheric: p_abs = p_atm + ρ·g·h. Pressure increases linearly with depth and is independent of the container shape (Pascal's vases). At 10 m of water the gauge pressure is about 98 kPa (~1 atm). This relation is the basis for manometers, dams and buoyancy.
Formula
Gauge pressure: p = ρ·g·h
Absolute: p_abs = p_atm + ρ·g·h
$$p = \rho\,g\,h$$How to Use
- Enter the fluid density ρ (kg/m³).
- Enter the depth h (m).
- The calculator returns the pressure in Pa and kPa.
Case Studies
Submarine at 100 m
ρ = 1025 kg/m³ (seawater), h = 100 m.
p = 1025×9.81×100 ≈ 1.0×10⁶ Pa ≈ 1006 kPa.
Plus atmospheric ≈ 1.1 MPa absolute.
FAQ
Why doesn't container shape matter?
Hydrostatic pressure depends only on depth, density and g — not on the total volume or shape. A thin tube and a wide tank at the same depth have the same pressure (Pascal's principle / connected vessels).
Gauge or absolute?
This tool reports gauge pressure (above atmosphere). Add ~101.3 kPa for absolute pressure.
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References
Content review: Calculatorism Science Team. Results are for reference only; please refer to the relevant authorities for the official figures.