Convert Decibars to Bar

Formula

bar = dbar ÷ 10

Derivation from SI units:

• 1 dbar = 10⁻¹ bar = 10⁴ Pa
• 1 bar = 10⁵ Pa (exact, by definition)
• 1 dbar = 10000 Pa ÷ 100000 Pa per bar = 0.1 bar

Both units are defined exactly, so the factor is exact. Decibar definition: decibar; Bar definition: bar.

Worked examples

1. A reading of 50 dbar converts to 5 bar.
   50 dbar × 0.1 = 5 bar
2. A value of 1000 dbar is 100 bar.
   1000 dbar × 0.1 = 100 bar

Where it's used

Decibars are used for oceanography: CTD instruments report sea pressure in dbar, while bar appear in compressed air and pneumatics (6–8 bar). Both measure pressure, stress and differential pressure (force per unit area), so the conversion is a fixed factor.

Decibar to other pressure units

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI), NIST Special Publication 811, 2008 Edition, National Institute of Standards and Technology , Appendix B.8, "bar", with SI prefix deci (10⁻¹).
• Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI), NIST Special Publication 811, 2008 Edition, National Institute of Standards and Technology , Appendix B.8, "bar".

Last reviewed: 2026-10-15. Factors are stored exactly and computed with 50-digit decimal arithmetic. See how we verify conversion factors.