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 = rho_w x g x h, using rho_w = 1,000 kg/m3 and g = 9.80665 m/s2
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.
Keep converting
Related Converters
Hydraulic conductivity
Convert hydraulic conductivity and coefficient of permeability between common laboratory and field units.
Coefficient of consolidation
Convert coefficient of consolidation, cv, between common laboratory and design units.
Distributed line load
Convert line loads used for walls, beams, strip footings, utilities, and surcharge idealizations.
Soil particle size
Convert soil particle diameter between micrometers, millimeters, inches, and other length units.