Convert Decibars to Megapascals

Formula

MPa = dbar ÷ 100

Derivation from SI units:

• 1 dbar = 10⁻¹ bar = 10⁴ Pa
• 1 MPa = 10⁶ Pa = 1 N/mm²
• 1 dbar = 10000 Pa ÷ 1000000 Pa per MPa = 0.01 MPa

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

Worked examples

1. A reading of 50 dbar converts to 0.5 MPa.
   50 dbar × 0.01 = 0.5 MPa
2. A value of 1000 dbar is 10 MPa.
   1000 dbar × 0.01 = 10 MPa

Where it's used

Decibars are used for oceanography: CTD instruments report sea pressure in dbar, while megapascals appear in concrete compressive strength (typically 20–50 MPa). 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.