CGCivil Geo Tools

Geotechnical and Hydraulics

Water Pressure Head Converter

Convert freshwater pressure head to pressure units and back using standard gravity.

Live unit conversion

Converted value

9.80665

kPa

1 m H2O = 9.80665 kPa

Conversion Basis

Pressure head relates fluid pressure to an equivalent water-column height through p = gamma_w h. It is used in piezometer interpretation, seepage, groundwater, pumping, and hydrostatic loading.

p=ρwghρw=1000 kg/m3,g=9.80665 m/s2p=\rho_wgh\qquad \rho_w=1000\ \mathrm{kg/m^3},\quad g=9.80665\ \mathrm{m/s^2}

Common Examples

  • 1 m H2O = 9.80665 kPa
  • 10 ft H2O = 4.33528 psi
  • 1 psi = 2.30666 ft H2O

Engineering Use and Limitations

  • The conversion assumes freshwater density of 1,000 kg/m3 and standard gravity of 9.80665 m/s2.
  • Actual pressure head varies with fluid density, which changes with salinity, temperature, and suspended matter.
  • Elevation head, pressure head, and total head are distinct terms in groundwater calculations.

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