How to use the altitude from pressure calculator
Prepare the values for this calculation
Estimate tropospheric altitude from static pressure using a specified sea-level state and lapse rate. Use the formula below to check that it answers your question. Read the input units before transferring figures from a statement, measurement or dataset.
Enter and check each input
- Measured pressure (Pa): enter a value at least 1e-09. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Sea-level pressure P₀ (Pa): enter a value at least 1e-09. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Sea-level temperature T₀ (K): enter a value at least 1e-09. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Temperature lapse rate L (K/m): enter a value at least 1e-12. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
The input table gives a complete example. Keep units and time periods consistent across related fields.
Calculate and resolve any input error
Choose Calculate after entering the values. Changes also update the answer after a short pause. If an error appears, follow its message, correct the field and calculate again. Reset restores the example values.
Interpret the answer
Check Estimated altitude first. With the unchanged example inputs, it is 1,000.014252 m. Interpret it using the formula and assumptions on this page.
Compare and keep a useful result
For a controlled comparison, keep every other example input unchanged and change Measured pressure (Pa) from 89874.6 to 98862.06. The resulting Estimated altitude is 207.071843 m. This illustrates the equation’s response to that input, rather than a forecast of real events.
Read the chart’s axis labels and data table. A scenario curve changes one stated input while holding the others fixed; it does not add external observations. Use Download graph to save an available chart as a PNG.
Use Copy result or Download CSV to keep the answer. Share tool shares the page address without placing your input values in the URL. Recheck inputs and assumptions before using the result for a decision.
Altitude from Pressure Calculator formula
h=(T0/L)[1−(P/P0)^(RL/(gM))].
Inputs and units
| Input | Format / range | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Measured pressure (Pa) | minimum 1e-09 | 89874.6 |
| Sea-level pressure P₀ (Pa) | minimum 1e-09 | 101325 |
| Sea-level temperature T₀ (K) | minimum 1e-09 | 288.15 |
| Temperature lapse rate L (K/m) | minimum 1e-12 | 0.0065 |
Worked example
Using the example inputs above, the estimated altitude is 1,000.014252 m.
- Estimated altitude
- 1,000.014252 m
Results and assumptions
Tropospheric lapse-rate estimate using the entered reference state; weather can shift pressure-altitude substantially.
Fix an input or unexpected result
Measured pressure (Pa) is required. Enter measured pressure (pa) using the format and bounds in the input table. Zero and an empty field are different: use zero only if it is allowed and represents your data.
If your answer differs from the example, choose Reset and compare every field, including selected units and options. Check percentage versus decimal entry and whether values describe the same period. Round only the final displayed answer when reproducing the formula.
If a discrepancy remains, report the calculator issue with the page address, non-sensitive example inputs, actual result, expected result and a reference for your calculation.