Hydrostatic Pressure Calculator
Calculate gauge pressure at a depth in a fluid.
Formula
P = ρgh.
What Is Hydrostatic Pressure?
Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure created by the weight of a fluid at rest. It increases with depth because deeper points support a taller column of fluid above them. The simple gauge-pressure relation is P = ρgh.
Example Calculation
At a depth of 5 m in fresh water with density 1,000 kg/m³, gauge pressure is 1,000 × 9.80665 × 5 = 49,033.25 Pa, or about 49 kPa.
Factors and Interpretation
Denser fluids produce more pressure at the same depth, and pressure rises linearly with depth. The calculator reports gauge pressure from the fluid column only. To estimate absolute pressure in an open tank, atmospheric pressure must be added.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does container shape affect hydrostatic pressure?
No. At the same depth in the same fluid, ideal hydrostatic pressure is independent of container shape.
Is this gauge or absolute pressure?
The calculator returns gauge pressure due to the fluid column.
Why does pressure increase underwater?
Deeper locations support more fluid weight above them.
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Formula and Practical Limits
Hydrostatic gauge pressure is commonly estimated as p = ρgh. Fluid density, gravity and vertical depth determine the result; atmospheric pressure must be added when absolute pressure is required.