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About

In medical diagnostics and laboratory physics, precise pressure readings are vital. While the Hectopascal (hPa) is standard for weather, the Millimeter of Mercury (mmHg) remains the gold standard for blood pressure measurement (sphygmomanometry) and vacuum systems. The discrepancy between these units can lead to confusion when comparing environmental data with physiological or experimental constraints.

This tool offers a specialized conversion environment that accounts for the nuances of mercury manometry. Unlike basic calculators, it acknowledges the role of gravity. The definition of mmHg relies on the density of mercury and the acceleration of gravity. For general use, standard gravity is assumed, but this tool provides a toggle for "Local Gravity" correction - a critical feature for laboratories operating at high altitudes or specific latitudes where standard constants introduce systematic error.

blood pressure unit medical converter meteorology hPa mmHg Torr

Formulas

The conversion is based on the hydrostatic pressure formula:

P = ρ g h

Where:

  • ρ (Density of Hg) 13595.1 kg/m3
  • g (Standard Gravity) = 9.80665 m/s2

Under standard conditions, the conversion factor is:

1 hPa 0.75006156 mmHg

Reference Data

Input (hPa)Output (mmHg)Significance
950712.56Typical Eye of Hurricane
1000750.06Borderline Low Pressure
1013.25760.00Standard Atmosphere (1 atm)
1020765.06High Pressure Zone
1050787.56Extreme High Pressure
120 / 80 *90 / 60(*Reverse Comparison for BP)

Frequently Asked Questions

Millimeters of Mercury is a "manometric" unit. It represents the height of a liquid column. The weight of that liquid depends on gravity. If gravity is lower (e.g., on a mountain), the same atmospheric pressure will support a higher column of mercury, changing the reading.
They are effectively identical for most practical purposes (within 0.000015%). Torr is defined as exactly 1/760th of a standard atmosphere, while mmHg is defined by the density of mercury.
It is suitable for educational and reference purposes. Clinical device calibration should strictly adhere to the manufacturer"s ISO manuals.