Convert Decibars to Pascals

Formula

Pa = dbar × 10000

Derivation from SI units:

• 1 dbar = 10⁻¹ bar = 10⁴ Pa
• 1 Pa = 1 N/m² = 1 kg·m⁻¹·s⁻²

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

Worked examples

1. A reading of 50 dbar converts to 500000 Pa.
   50 dbar × 10000 = 500000 Pa
2. A value of 1000 dbar is 10000000 Pa.
   1000 dbar × 10000 = 10000000 Pa

Where it's used

Decibars are used for oceanography: CTD instruments report sea pressure in dbar, while pascals appear in cleanroom and isolator pressure differentials (typically 10–50 Pa). 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 4, coherent derived units with special names.

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