How To Convert Density To Pressure

There is a mathematical relationship between density and pressure. The density of an object is its mass per unit volume. Pressure is force per unit area. Knowing the volume and density of an object enables its mass to be calculated, and if you know the mass resting on an area, you know the pressure. Anyone with basic math skills can calculate the pressure exerted by a volume of material with a known density.

Step 1

Enter the density of the material into a calculator. For example, for a material with a density of 1,025 lbs. per cubic yard, type 1,025 into the calculator.

Step 2

Establish the number of units of the material that are applying pressure. For example, a column 1 yard wide and 11 yards tall contains 11 cubic yards of material. Multiply the material density by the number of units in the column. In this example, multiply 1025 by 11. The result is the mass of 11 cubic yards of the material.

Step 3

Calculate the pressure by dividing the force, or weight, by the area. In the example, 11 x 10,275 gives a weight of 11,275 lbs. resting on one square yard. The pressure exerted by that material is thus 11,275 / 1 or 11,275 lbs. per square yard.