Force (kN) to MPa Converter
Calculate Stress (MPa) from Force (kN) and Area. Supports multiple area units (m², mm², cm²) for precise structural analysis and materials testing.
About
In materials testing and structural mechanics, determining the stress applied to a component requires more than a simple unit conversion; it requires the integration of geometry. This tool calculates pressure or stress in Megapascals (MPa) based on an applied force in Kilonewtons (kN) and a specific cross-sectional area. This calculation is fundamental when determining if a material yield point has been exceeded or when sizing hydraulic components.
Standardizing units is the primary source of error in these calculations. A force of 1 kN applied over 1 m2 yields a vastly different stress than the same force applied over 1 mm2. This calculator automates the unit normalization process, converting all area inputs to base SI units before computing the final pressure, ensuring valid results for engineering reports.
Formulas
The fundamental formula for stress (σ) or pressure (P) is Force divided by Area. To result in Megapascals, units must be consistent.
Where k is the unit correction factor depending on the Area unit:
Example for Millimeters: 1 kN over 1 mm2 equals 1 GPa or 1000 MPa.
Reference Data
| Force (kN) | Area | Stress (MPa) | Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 100 cm2 | 1.0 | Concrete compression |
| 50 | 500 mm2 | 100.0 | Steel bolt tension |
| 100 | 0.1 m2 | 1.0 | Soil bearing pressure |
| 25 | 10 mm2 | 2,500.0 | High strength wire |
| 1 | 1 mm2 | 1,000.0 | Theoretical limit |
| 200 | 150 cm2 | 13.33 | Hydraulic ram |
| 5 | 50 mm2 | 100.0 | Small Tensile Test |