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How to Find Gauge Pressure

Gauge pressure is the difference between system pressure and absolute pressure, taking into account the pressure differences in the atmosphere in order to give an accurate reading of the pressure of a gas or liquid in particular device. It is the typical unit of measuring pressures such as tire pressure and blood pressure; essentially measuring the force exerted on a particular unit of a surface. Pressure gauges such as tire gauges and blood pressure monitors use a simple formula to calculate both system pressure and absolute pressure in order to give a gauge pressure reading.

Things You'll Need

  • Atmospheric pressure gauge
  • System pressure gauge
  • Pressure unit conversion chart, if necessary
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the algebraic formula of PG = PS - PA. The variable PG stands for the gauge pressure you want to calculate. PS represents system pressure, or the natural force a particular system, such as a tire or veins, exerts. PA represents atmospheric pressure, or the pressure exerted by the surrounding air.

    • 2

      Measure the system pressure of a particular system using a system pressure gauge, and insert that value into your algebraic formula. Then, measure the atmospheric pressure of that same system with an atmospheric pressure gauge, and insert that value into the formula as well. There are a variety of different types of gauges to measure these values, so follow the instructions for your particular gauge.

    • 3

      Make sure that the values of both the system pressure and atmospheric pressure are in the same unit. Pressure is usually measured in pascals, but large units are sometimes converted into units such as kilopascals. If the values are different, use a conversion chart to convert one unit value into the same as the other. Then, subtract the atmospheric pressure from the system pressure to find the gauge pressure.

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