Convert Decibars to Kilopascals

Formula

kPa = dbar × 10

Derivation from SI units:

• 1 dbar = 10⁻¹ bar = 10⁴ Pa
• 1 kPa = 10³ Pa
• 1 dbar = 10000 Pa ÷ 1000 Pa per kPa = 10 kPa

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

Worked examples

1. A reading of 50 dbar converts to 500 kPa.
   50 dbar × 10 = 500 kPa
2. A value of 1000 dbar is 10000 kPa.
   1000 dbar × 10 = 10000 kPa

Where it's used

Decibars are used for oceanography: CTD instruments report sea pressure in dbar, while kilopascals appear in tyre pressure outside the United States (about 200–250 kPa for cars). 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).
• The International System of Units (SI), 9th edition (SI Brochure), Bureau International des Poids et Mesures , Table 7, SI prefixes.

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