Hydrostatic Pressure Calculator
Reviewed by Hamza Gujjar, Algorithm Architect & Software Developer
Last updated: July 26, 2026Hydrostatic Pressure Calculator
A column of fluid exerts pressure at its base purely from its own weight - the same simple relationship behind manometers, pump head ratings, and water tower design.
Formula: ΔP = ρ × g × h, using g = 9.81 m/s²
Example: a 10m column of water: ΔP = 1000 × 9.81 × 10 = 98,100 Pa ≈ 98.1 kPa - close to a full atmosphere of pressure, which is the origin of the commonly cited rule of thumb that roughly 10 meters of water column equals about one atmosphere.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter fluid density.
- Enter the fluid column height.
This is exactly why a pump's rated "head" (in meters) converts directly to a pressure rating once the fluid's density is known, and why the same head rating means a different actual pressure for water versus a denser or lighter fluid.