How to Calculate Fluid Pressure
What is Fluid Pressure?
Fluid pressure is force exerted per unit area. It increases with depth due to the weight of fluid above, creating hydrostatic pressure.
Formula
The calculator applies P = P₀ + ρgh
- P
- P₀ + ρgh — P₀ + ρgh
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Enter fluid density, gravitational acceleration, and depth
- 2The calculator applies P = P₀ + ρgh
- 3Results show pressure at depth
Worked Examples
Input
ρ = 1000 kg/m³ (water), g = 9.81 m/s², h = 10 m
Result
P = 98.1 kPa gauge pressure
Absolute: 199.2 kPa
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Confusing gauge and absolute pressure
- ✕Using depth instead of vertical distance in pressure calculations
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does pressure increase linearly with depth?
Each additional meter of fluid adds the same weight per unit area, creating linear pressure increase.
What's the difference between gauge and absolute pressure?
Gauge pressure measures above atmospheric pressure; absolute pressure includes atmospheric contribution.
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