Convert Pressure from torr to megapascals (torr to MPa)

torr to megapascal Conversion Formula

Example

Let's convert 5 torr (torr) to megapascal (MPa).

Using the formula:

Therefore, 5 torr (torr) is equal to 0.0006666118421052631579 megapascal (MPa).

How many torr are in one megapascal? One megapascal (MPa) contains 7500.616827041697508 torr (torr) — the inverse of the factor above. Multiplying by 0.00013332236842105263158 takes you from torr to megapascals; multiplying by 7500.616827041697508 brings you back.

Put in words: one torr equals 0.00013332236842105263158 megapascals, so the torr is the smaller unit of this pair. Converting between them never changes the amount of pressure being measured — only the size of the unit you count it in.

What Is a Torr?

A torr (Torr) is a unit of pressure.

It is primarily used to measure a vacuum, or pressures much lower than the air pressure we experience every day.

While the modern standard (SI) unit for pressure is the pascal (Pa), the torr is still widely used in many scientific and engineering fields.

For conversion, one torr is equal to about 133.32 pascals.

A much simpler way to think about it is in relation to our atmosphere: one standard atmosphere (atm) is defined as exactly 760 Torr.

Where Did the Torr Come From?

The unit is named in honor of Evangelista Torricelli, the 17th-century Italian physicist who invented the mercury barometer.

Because of this, one torr was initially defined as being equal to one millimeter of mercury (mmHg).

This means 1 Torr is the pressure exerted by a column of mercury that is one millimeter high.

Torr vs. Atmosphere (atm)

As mentioned, the torr's most convenient relationship is with the standard atmosphere (atm).

One standard atmosphere—the average air pressure at sea level—is set at exactly 760 Torr.

This straightforward, whole-number conversion makes the torr a popular choice for anyone working with fractions of atmospheric pressure.

Where Is the Torr Used Today?

The torr is the primary unit of measurement for high-vacuum and ultra-high-vacuum technology.

Because it is such a small unit (it takes 760 of them to equal one atmosphere), it is ideal for quantifying pressures far below normal air pressure.

You will find the torr used in many advanced scientific and industrial fields, including:

• Semiconductor manufacturing
• Thin-film deposition (like adding anti-reflective coatings to glasses)
• Mass spectrometry
• Particle accelerators
• Vacuum furnaces

What is a megapascal (MPa)?

If you've ever looked at engineering specifications, construction materials, or high-pressure equipment, you've likely seen the term 'MPa.'

A megapascal (MPa) is a unit of pressure in the metric system, equal to one thousand kilopascals (1000 kPa).

The plural form is megapascals.

Using MPa to Measure Material Strength

The megapascal (MPa) is a fundamental unit for quantifying the strength of materials in engineering and construction.

It is commonly used to express a material's ultimate tensile strength (the maximum stress it can withstand while being pulled apart) and compressive strength (its resistance to being squeezed).

For example, structural steel might have a tensile strength of 400 MPa. In comparison, high-performance concrete can have a compressive strength exceeding 80 MPa.

MPa to PSI and Bar Conversions (and kPa)

Understanding how to convert megapascals to other pressure units is crucial for global applications.

Here are the most common conversions:

• 1 MPa = 1,000 kilopascals (kPa)
• 1 MPa = 145.04 pounds per square inch (PSI)
• 1 MPa = 10 bar

The pound per square inch (PSI) is a unit commonly used in the United States for measuring tire pressure and hydraulic systems.

The bar is a unit often used in Europe for weather forecasting and scuba diving.

Real-World Examples of Megapascal Pressures

Megapascals are used to describe immense pressures found in both natural and industrial settings.

The water pressure at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the deepest point in the ocean, is about 108.6 MPa.

In industry, a high-pressure waterjet cutter operates at pressures ranging from 200 to 600 MPa, demonstrating enough force to slice through metal and stone.

torr to megapascal Conversion Table

Here are some quick reference conversions from torr (torr) to megapascal (MPa):