The pascal is one newton per square meter.
Pascals to Atmospheres Converter — Pa to atm
Convert Pascal (Pa) to Atmosphere (atm) using the exact conversion factor (1 pascal = 0.0000098692 atmosphere). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, unit comparison, history, and common uses.
Pascals to Atmospheres converter
Converter
Engineering Converter
Convert common stress, force, torque, power, and energy units used in engineering.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
A standard atmosphere is exactly 101,325 pascals.
Result = input x 1 / 101325.
Stress Pressure units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Pascals to Atmospheres
Pascal and Atmosphere both measure a quantity used in structural or mechanical engineering — commonly stress, pressure, force, torque, power, or energy — where converting between the unit conventions used in different regions, industries, or equipment specifications is a routine part of design work. Pascal is typically associated with standard scientific pressure unit worldwide, while Atmosphere is typically associated with widely used internationally in chemistry, meteorology, and diving/aviation contexts alongside the pascal and bar.
Formula
atmospheres = pascals × 0.00000986923266716
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 pascal equals 1 base unit, and 1 atmosphere equals 101325 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct pascal-to-atmosphere factor of 0.00000986923266716.
Simple example
1 Pa × 0.000009869232667 = 0.0000098692 atm
1 pascal = 0.0000098692 atmospheres.
Real-world example
100 Pa × 0.000009869232667 = 0.0009869233 atm
100 pascals = 0.0009869233 atmospheres.
Conversion table
| Pascal (Pa) | Atmosphere (atm) |
|---|---|
| 1 Pa | 0.0000098692 atm |
| 10 Pa | 0.0000986923 atm |
| 50 Pa | 0.0004934616 atm |
| 100 Pa | 0.0009869233 atm |
| 500 Pa | 0.0049346163 atm |
| 1,000 Pa | 0.0098692327 atm |
Reverse conversion: Atmosphere to Pascal
0.0000098692 atm × 101325 = 0.99999669 Pa
0.0000098692 atmospheres = 0.99999669 pascals.
pascals = atmospheres × 101325
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Atmosphere to Pascal.
Pascal vs. Atmosphere
| Aspect | Pascal | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|
| Family | SI derived unit | non-SI unit accepted for use with the SI |
| Typical use | Scientific and engineering pressure measurement worldwide | Chemistry (standard conditions are often defined at 1 atm) |
| Where it's used | Standard scientific pressure unit worldwide | Widely used internationally in chemistry, meteorology, and diving/aviation contexts alongside the pascal and bar |
Understanding the Pascal
Pascal (Pa) measures pressure. The pascal is the SI derived unit of pressure: one newton of force per square meter. It is classified as a SI derived unit.
Where it's used: Standard scientific pressure unit worldwide
Uses of the Pascal today
- Scientific and engineering pressure measurement worldwide
- Meteorology (often as hectopascals, equivalent to millibars)
- Material science (stress and strength, typically in megapascals)
History of the Pascal
The pascal is named after Blaise Pascal, whose 17th-century experiments clarified the physics of fluid pressure and vacuum. It was adopted as the SI derived unit of pressure in 1971, replacing the older, non-coherent CGS pressure units used in much scientific work up to that point.
Historical origin. Pascal was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Atmosphere
Atmosphere (atm) measures pressure. Defined as exactly 101,325 pascals, originally based on the average atmospheric pressure at mean sea level. It is classified as a non-SI unit accepted for use with the SI.
Where it's used: Widely used internationally in chemistry, meteorology, and diving/aviation contexts alongside the pascal and bar
Uses of the Atmosphere today
- Chemistry (standard conditions are often defined at 1 atm)
- Diving and aviation pressure references
- General reference for everyday atmospheric pressure
Pascal — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Coherent derived units — Defines the pascal as the SI unit of pressure.
Atmosphere — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Standard atmosphere listed among non-SI units with a fixed exact value in pascals.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many atmospheres are in 1 pascal?
1 pascal equals 0.0000098692 atmospheres, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert pascal to atmosphere?
Multiply the pascal value by 0.000009869232667. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert atmosphere back to pascal?
Use the reverse factor: 1 atmosphere equals 101,325 pascals. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a pascal?
Pascal (Pa) measures pressure. The pascal is the SI derived unit of pressure: one newton of force per square meter. It is classified as a SI derived unit.
What is a atmosphere?
Atmosphere (atm) measures pressure. Defined as exactly 101,325 pascals, originally based on the average atmospheric pressure at mean sea level. It is classified as a non-SI unit accepted for use with the SI.
Is the pascal to atmosphere conversion exact?
Yes. Defined as exactly 101,325 pascals, originally based on the average atmospheric pressure at mean sea level. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.
Where is the pascal still used today?
Standard scientific pressure unit worldwide
Why do engineering unit conventions vary so much by region and industry?
Pressure, force, and stress can be expressed in metric (pascal, newton), US customary (psi, pound-force), or older and industry-specific units (atmosphere, torr, kip) depending on the country, industry, and even the equipment manufacturer, which is why engineers routinely need to convert between them when working across specs from different sources.