pascal [Pa] Unit Converter

Definition of pascal [Pa] unit

The pascal (Pa) is the SI derived unit of pressure, defined as one newton of force applied uniformly over an area of one square metre. It equals one kilogram per metre per second squared and measures pressure, stress, or tension.

History of pascal [Pa] unit

The pascal is named after Blaise Pascal (1623–1662), a French mathematician, physicist, and philosopher whose experiments and writings advanced understanding of pressure and fluid mechanics. The unit was adopted by the International System of Units (SI) in 1971, honoring Pascal’s contributions. Before its adoption, pressure was commonly expressed in bars, atmospheres, millimetres of mercury, or pounds per square inch. One pascal is deliberately small, so kilopascals and megapascals are often used in practical engineering and scientific contexts. Its symbol is Pa, written without a period.

Applications of pascal [Pa] unit

Today, the pascal is used throughout science and engineering to quantify pressure and mechanical stress. Weather reports often use hectopascals, while tire pressures are commonly given in kilopascals. Megapascals describe pressures in hydraulic systems, engines, materials testing, and industrial processes. In medicine, respiratory pressures may be expressed in pascals or related multiples.

Complete list of pascal [Pa] unit conversion