mmHg to atm Converter
Created by: Sophia Bennett
Last updated:
Convert pressure measurements from millimeters of mercury (mmHg) to atmospheres (atm) for medical equipment, laboratory work, and scientific calculations. Get accurate conversions with additional pressure units including PSI, kPa, and bar.
What is mmHg to atm Conversion?
The mmHg to atm conversion transforms pressure measurements from millimeters of mercury (mmHg) to atmospheres (atm). This conversion is essential in scientific applications, medical settings, and industrial processes where different pressure units are used.
Both units measure pressure, but they serve different purposes: mmHg is commonly used in medical equipment like blood pressure monitors and barometers, while atmospheres are frequently used in chemistry and physics for gas law calculations and pressure standardization.
mmHg to atm Conversion Formula
The conversion formula from mmHg to atm is straightforward:
Where 760 mmHg equals exactly 1 atmosphere at standard conditions. This relationship is based on the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level, which was historically defined using mercury barometers.
How to Convert mmHg to atm: Examples
Example 1: Convert 760 mmHg to atm
760 ÷ 760 = 1.0 atm
Example 2: Convert 380 mmHg to atm
380 ÷ 760 = 0.5 atm
Example 3: Convert 1520 mmHg to atm
1520 ÷ 760 = 2.0 atm
Common Applications
- Medical Equipment: Converting blood pressure readings and medical device pressures
- Chemistry Labs: Gas law calculations and pressure standardization
- Meteorology: Atmospheric pressure measurements and weather analysis
- Industrial Processes: Vacuum systems and pressure vessel calculations
- Scientific Research: Experimental pressure measurements and data analysis
- Engineering: HVAC systems and pressure system design
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you convert mmHg to atm?
To convert mmHg to atm, divide the pressure value by 760. The formula is: atm = mmHg ÷ 760. For example, 760 mmHg = 1 atm, and 380 mmHg = 0.5 atm. This conversion is based on standard atmospheric pressure at sea level.
What is the difference between mmHg and atm?
mmHg (millimeters of mercury) and atm (atmospheres) are both pressure units. 1 atm equals 760 mmHg at standard conditions. mmHg is commonly used in medical settings for blood pressure, while atm is used in chemistry and physics for gas pressure calculations.
Why is 760 mmHg equal to 1 atmosphere?
760 mmHg equals 1 atmosphere because this is the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level. It represents the pressure exerted by a column of mercury 760 millimeters high under standard gravity conditions (9.80665 m/s²) at 0°C.
When would you use mmHg to atm conversion?
This conversion is used in chemistry labs for gas law calculations, medical applications for pressure measurements, meteorology for atmospheric pressure readings, and industrial processes where different pressure units are required for calculations or equipment specifications.
Sources and References
- NIST, "Special Publication 330 - The International System of Units (SI)", National Institute of Standards and Technology
- IUPAC, "Compendium of Chemical Terminology - Gold Book", International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
- American Heart Association, "Understanding Blood Pressure Readings", Medical Guidelines