Physics

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Manometer Calculator.

Calculate the hydrostatic pressure difference for a single-fluid U-tube manometer.

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Pressure difference: 2,451.6625 Pa

Pressure difference

0.000000Pa

Results update automatically as you type.

Use Cases

Laboratory Pressure Measurement

Quickly compute the pressure difference in a U-tube manometer used in physics or chemistry experiments, ensuring accurate readings without manual calculation.

Example: If mercury (density 13546 kg/m³) shows a height difference of 0.05 m, with g=9.81 m/s², the pressure difference is 6645 Pa.

Engineering Fluid Systems

Verify pressure drops across filters, valves, or other components in fluid systems by measuring the manometer height difference and using this calculator for instant results.

Example: Check a water manometer (density 1000 kg/m³) with a height difference of 0.2 m; pressure difference is 1962 Pa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this manometer calculator do?
This calculator determines the hydrostatic pressure difference in a single-fluid U-tube manometer. You input the manometer fluid density (kg/m³), the column-height difference (m), and gravitational acceleration (m/s²). It then computes the pressure difference using the formula ΔP = ρgh.
What units are used in this calculator?
The calculator uses SI units: density in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³), column-height difference in meters (m), and gravitational acceleration in meters per second squared (m/s²). The resulting pressure difference is in pascals (Pa).
Can I use this calculator for a two-fluid manometer?
No, this calculator is specifically designed for a single-fluid U-tube manometer. For two-fluid manometers, you would need a different tool that accounts for the densities of both fluids.

Tips & Common Mistakes

Tips

  • Ensure the manometer fluid density is accurate for your specific fluid and temperature, as density varies with temperature.
  • Measure the column-height difference carefully at the meniscus level, not the top of the fluid, to avoid parallax errors.
  • Use the standard gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²) unless you know the local value for higher precision.
  • Double-check that all inputs are in the correct units (kg/m³, m, m/s²) to get the pressure in pascals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using density in g/cm³ instead of kg/m³. Remember: 1 g/cm³ = 1000 kg/m³.
  • Forgetting to convert the height difference from centimeters to meters. Always use meters for the calculation.
  • Assuming the gravitational acceleration is always 9.81 m/s², but it can vary slightly with location; use the local value if needed.

Last updated: August 13, 2026