KPA to Bar Converter
Convert between kilopascal and bar pressure units
Pressure Conversion
Please enter a valid value
Conversion Result
1 kilopascal = 0.01 bar
KPA to Bar Converter
Looking to convert kilopascals to bar? Whether you’re working with mechanical systems, weather data, or lab results, this kPa to bar converter provides fast, reliable conversions at your fingertips.
What Is a Kilopascal (kPa)?
The kilopascal (symbol: kPa) is a metric unit of pressure used in the International System of Units (SI). It equals 1,000 pascals (Pa), where 1 pascal is defined as one newton per square meter (N/m²). Kilopascals are widely used in engineering, material science, and atmospheric pressure measurement.
Named after Blaise Pascal, a French physicist and mathematician, the kPa has become a modern standard in many industries, replacing older units like psi and bar in technical documentation and calculations.
What Is a Bar?
The bar (symbol: bar) is a unit of pressure that equals exactly 100 kilopascals (kPa) or 100,000 pascals. Though not an SI unit, it remains popular in many practical fields such as meteorology, hydrology, and mechanical engineering. One bar is just slightly less than one standard atmosphere.
Historical Context
The word “bar” comes from the Greek word “baros,” meaning “weight.” It was introduced by Norwegian physicist Vilhelm Bjerknes, a trailblazer in weather forecasting and fluid dynamics.
Common Usage
Despite its non-SI status, the bar remains in everyday use. For instance, atmospheric pressure at sea level is about 1.013 bar (or 101.325 kPa), and tire pressures are often listed in bar for ease of understanding.
Kilopascal to Bar Conversion Formula
To convert kilopascals to bar:
1 kPa = 0.01 bar
To convert bar to kilopascals:
1 bar = 100 kPa
Example: Convert 1500 KPA to Bar
1500 kPa × 0.01 = 15 bar
So, 1500 kilopascals equals 15 bar.
KPA to Bar Conversion Table
| Kilopascal (kPa) | Bar |
| 0.01 | 0.0001 |
| 0.1 | 0.001 |
| 1 | 0.01 |
| 2 | 0.02 |
| 3 | 0.03 |
| 5 | 0.05 |
| 10 | 0.1 |
| 20 | 0.2 |
| 50 | 0.5 |
| 100 | 1 |
| 1000 | 10 |
When to Use KPA vs Bar
Both units measure pressure but are used in different contexts. Kilopascals are preferred in scientific, engineering, and academic environments due to their SI compliance. Bar remains popular in more general or practical applications such as weather forecasts, HVAC systems, and automotive specifications.