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Hydrostatic Pressure Calculator

Estimate static pressure at a depth in a fluid of constant density. Surface pressure is entered separately so both gauge and absolute pressure are clear.

Enter every field, including explicit zeros when permitted. Decimal and scientific notation are accepted; commas, fractions and blanks are rejected. Each input must be finite and no larger than 1 billion in absolute value. Observe the stated units and domain limits.

Gauge pressure (kPa)49.03325
Absolute pressure (kPa)150.35825

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter every quantity in the unit printed beside its field.
  2. Select Calculate or press Enter.
  3. Read the labeled results and compare them with the assumptions below.

Formula and method

Gauge pressure p = ρgh; absolute pressure = surface pressure + ρgh.

The calculation runs locally in your browser. If any entry is invalid or a mathematical condition is undefined, the prior result is hidden so it cannot be mistaken for a new answer.

Worked example

Using Fluid density (kg/m³) = 1000, Depth (m) = 5, Gravitational acceleration (m/s²) = 9.80665, Surface pressure (kPa) = 101.325, the formula returns Gauge pressure (kPa) = 49.03325, Absolute pressure (kPa) = 150.35825. The displayed default result is generated from these same inputs.

Limitations and safety

Assumes a stationary, incompressible fluid with uniform density and gravity. It excludes flow losses, water hammer and vessel strength. Use qualified engineering guidance for pressurized systems or diving. Results use floating-point arithmetic and are displayed to about 10 significant digits; measurement uncertainty usually supports fewer. Verify units before relying on a result.

Frequently asked questions

What is gauge pressure?

It is the pressure added by the fluid column above the point, excluding the surface pressure.

Why might a measured result differ?

The formula isolates the stated model. Real systems can add uncertainty, losses, changing properties, geometry or forces that are not among the inputs.

How should I handle units?

Convert every value to the unit shown beside its field before calculating. A numerically valid value in the wrong unit will still produce a wrong result.

Review notes and reference

Reviewed October 3, 2026. The default example and an independent edge or scaling case were checked against expected values. The live script was also checked for blank, text, comma-formatted, non-finite and out-of-range entries. Method reference. Constants use the values stated in the formula. This page’s explanation and example are original.

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