Water Column to PSI Calculator

What is Water Column (WC) Pressure?

Water column (sometimes written as inH₂O or ftH₂O) is a unit of pressure based on the height of a water column supported by that pressure. For example:

• 1 inch of water column (inH₂O) = the pressure needed to raise water by 1 inch in a tube.
• 1 foot of water column (ftH₂O) = the pressure needed to raise water by 1 foot.

It’s a small pressure unit, commonly used in:

• Natural gas and propane systems
• HVAC systems (measuring airflow and gas pressure)
• Low-pressure plumbing and hydraulics

Water Column to PSI Conversion Basics

To convert water column to PSI, the following conversion factors are used:

• 1 PSI = 27.708 inches of water column (inH₂O)
• 1 PSI = 2.307 feet of water column (ftH₂O)

So the formula is simple:

[
\text{PSI} = \frac{\text{Water Column Value}}{\text{Conversion Factor}}
]

Example:

• 10 inH₂O ÷ 27.708 ≈ 0.361 PSI
• 5 ftH₂O ÷ 2.307 ≈ 2.168 PSI

Why Use a Water Column to PSI Calculator?

Instant Results – Save time and reduce manual math errors.
Accurate Conversions – Uses standard conversion factors based on water density.
Practical for Industry – Useful for gas technicians, HVAC installers, and engineers.
User-Friendly – No complex formulas—just enter a number, pick a unit, and convert.

How the Calculator Works

The calculator is built with a simple equation:

1. Enter your water column value (e.g., 10 inH₂O or 5 ftH₂O).
2. Select the unit (inches or feet).
3. Click Convert to PSI.
4. Instantly see the pressure displayed in PSI.

It also shows the conversion basis (e.g., 1 PSI = 27.708 inH₂O) so you can understand the math behind the result.

Example with the tool:

• Input: 10 inches WC
• Result: 0.361 PSI
• Conversion Basis: 1 PSI = 27.708 inches WC

Step-by-Step: Using the Calculator

1. Go to the Water Column to PSI Calculator tool (see below).
2. Enter your measurement (in inches or feet).
3. Select the correct unit from the dropdown.
4. Click Convert to PSI.
5. Review the result and use it in your project or report.

You can also hit Reset to quickly start a new calculation.

Practical Applications

This calculator is especially valuable in:

• Gas line pressure testing – Ensuring safe delivery of natural gas or propane.
• HVAC systems – Converting WC to PSI for airflow and furnace pressure readings.
• Plumbing design – Calculating static water pressure in small-scale systems.
• Engineering & research – Simplifying lab or field calculations where WC units are used.

Important Notes & Disclaimer

• Conversion assumes water at standard room temperature.
• Results are approximate but highly accurate for static water pressure.
• Always consult industry standards and local codes before applying results in safety-critical systems.