Bar to PSI Converter
Convert between bar and PSI (pounds per square inch) for tire pressure, hydraulic systems, and other pressure measurements.
How do I convert bar to PSI?
Formula: PSI = bar × 14.5038. Example: 2.5 bar × 14.5038 = 36.26 PSI. Common conversions: 1 bar = 14.50 PSI. 2 bar = 29.01 PSI (typical bike tire). 2.2 bar = 31.91 PSI (car tire). 3 bar = 43.51 PSI. Quick estimate: Multiply bar by 14.5 or 15 for rough PSI. Reverse (PSI to bar): bar = PSI ÷ 14.5038. Example: 32 PSI ÷ 14.5038 = 2.21 bar. Why convert: European specs use bar, US uses PSI. Vehicle manuals may list both.
What is bar pressure and where is it used?
Bar = metric pressure unit, approximately atmospheric pressure at sea level. Definition: 1 bar = 100,000 Pascals (Pa) = 100 kPa. Nearly equals atmospheric pressure: 1 bar vs 1.01325 bar (1 atm). Used in: Europe, Asia, Australia for tire pressure. Hydraulic systems worldwide. Industrial machinery specs. Weather maps (millibars). Scuba diving (depth in bars). Advantages: Simple (tire pressure ~2-2.5 bar). Metric system standard. Close to atmospheric pressure. Common values: Car tires: 2.0-2.5 bar. Bike tires: 3-4 bar. Truck tires: 3-6 bar.
What are common bar to PSI conversions for tires?
Common tire pressure conversions: Car tires: 2.0 bar = 29.0 PSI. 2.1 bar = 30.5 PSI. 2.2 bar = 31.9 PSI (typical). 2.3 bar = 33.4 PSI. 2.4 bar = 34.8 PSI. 2.5 bar = 36.3 PSI. SUV/Light truck: 2.6 bar = 37.7 PSI. 2.8 bar = 40.6 PSI. 3.0 bar = 43.5 PSI. Motorcycle: 2.0-2.5 bar front (29-36 PSI). 2.5-2.9 bar rear (36-42 PSI). Bicycle (road): 6-8 bar = 87-116 PSI. Bicycle (mountain): 2-3 bar = 29-44 PSI. Check door jamb sticker for exact specs.
Is 2.5 bar the same as 35 PSI?
Not exactly, but close: 2.5 bar = 36.26 PSI (not 35). 35 PSI = 2.41 bar (not 2.5). Difference: 1.26 PSI or 0.09 bar. For practical purposes: Close enough for most applications. Tire pressure gauges have ±1-2 PSI tolerance. Within acceptable range for tire inflation. When precision matters: Racing/performance: Use exact conversions. Safety-critical systems: Calculate precisely. Professional applications: Don't round. Quick reference: 2.5 bar ≈ 36 PSI (recommended car tire). 2.0 bar ≈ 29 PSI (minimum safe). 3.0 bar ≈ 44 PSI (high pressure). Always verify with exact calculation for specifications.
Why do European cars use bar instead of PSI?
Bar is metric system standard: Europe uses metric (bar, km, kg) vs Imperial (PSI, miles, pounds). International standardization: Most countries use bar/kPa. Easier metric calculations. Scientific applications prefer SI units (Pascal/bar). Practical advantages: 1 bar ≈ atmospheric pressure (easy reference). Typical tire pressure 2-3 bar (simple numbers). Decimal system (2.2 bar vs 31.9 PSI). No fractions needed. Global market: Many manufacturers list both units. Import vehicles may have bar-only specs. Conversion necessary for US owners. Modern trend: Moving toward metric worldwide. Digital gauges show both units.
What is the conversion table for bar to PSI?
Quick reference bar to PSI table: 0.5 bar = 7.25 PSI. 1.0 bar = 14.50 PSI. 1.5 bar = 21.76 PSI. 2.0 bar = 29.01 PSI. 2.1 bar = 30.46 PSI. 2.2 bar = 31.91 PSI. 2.3 bar = 33.36 PSI. 2.4 bar = 34.81 PSI. 2.5 bar = 36.26 PSI. 2.6 bar = 37.71 PSI. 2.7 bar = 39.16 PSI. 2.8 bar = 40.61 PSI. 2.9 bar = 42.06 PSI. 3.0 bar = 43.51 PSI. 4.0 bar = 58.02 PSI. 5.0 bar = 72.52 PSI. 10 bar = 145.04 PSI. Memorize key values: 2 bar ≈ 29 PSI, 2.5 bar ≈ 36 PSI, 3 bar ≈ 44 PSI.
Can I use a PSI gauge for bar specifications?
Yes, with conversion: Most gauges show both PSI and bar. Dual-scale gauges common ($10-30). Digital gauges switch units with button. If PSI-only gauge: Convert spec to PSI before checking. Example: Spec = 2.3 bar. Convert: 2.3 × 14.5 = 33.4 PSI. Inflate to 33-34 PSI. Tips for accuracy: Use same gauge consistently. Check when tires cold (morning). Digital gauges more precise than analog. Calibrate yearly if critical. Bar-only gauge with PSI spec: Convert PSI to bar: 35 PSI ÷ 14.5 = 2.41 bar. Inflate to 2.4 bar. Most accurate method: Get dual-scale gauge or digital gauge with unit selection.