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MPa vs PSI in Hydraulic Hoses: Meaning, Conversion & Pressure Ratings

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Introduction

MPa and PSI are two units used to express hydraulic pressure. MPa (megapascal) is a metric pressure unit, while PSI (pounds per square inch) is commonly used in the United States. Both measure the same physical quantity and can describe the same hydraulic hose working pressure.

Quick Conversion:

  • 1 MPa = 145.038 PSI

  • 1 PSI = 0.00689476 MPa

  • 1 MPa = 10 bar

For example, a hydraulic hose rated at 20 MPa has a working pressure of approximately 2,901 PSI, or 200 bar.

Understanding these units helps engineers, equipment operators, and industrial buyers compare hydraulic hose specifications across different measurement systems.

This guide explains MPa vs PSI, provides a practical pressure conversion chart, and shows how to interpret hydraulic hose working pressure, burst pressure, and manufacturer specifications.


What Is MPa in Hydraulic Hose Specifications?

MPa stands for megapascal, a metric unit used to measure pressure.

One megapascal equals one million pascals and is equivalent to 10 bar or approximately 145.038 PSI.

In hydraulic hose specifications, MPa is commonly used to express maximum working pressure, test pressure, and other pressure-related values.

For example, a hose with a maximum working pressure of 35 MPa is rated for approximately 5,076 PSI.


What Is PSI in Hydraulic Hoses?

PSI stands for pounds per square inch, a pressure unit commonly used in the United States.

Hydraulic hose manufacturers may specify working pressure in PSI, MPa, bar, or a combination of these units.

For example, a hydraulic hose rated at 3,000 PSI has a pressure rating of approximately 20.68 MPa.

PSI is not limited to low-pressure applications. High-pressure industrial hydraulic systems can also have their working pressures expressed in PSI.


MPa vs PSI: What Is the Difference?

The main difference between MPa and PSI is the measurement system, not the pressure performance of the hydraulic hose.

Comparison MPa PSI
Full Name Megapascal Pounds per Square Inch
Measurement System Metric / SI-derived Imperial / US customary
Measures Pressure Pressure
Conversion 1 MPa = 145.038 PSI 1 PSI = 0.00689476 MPa
Example 20 MPa Approximately 2,901 PSI
Hydraulic Applications Working pressure, test pressure Working pressure, test pressure

Both units are valid for specifying hydraulic hose pressure. The correct hose should be selected according to its actual rated pressure, operating conditions, and manufacturer specifications.


MPa to PSI Conversion Chart for Hydraulic Hoses

Hydraulic hose specifications often include pressure ratings in MPa, PSI, or bar. The following chart helps engineers and industrial buyers compare these pressure values.

Conversion Formulas:

MPa to PSI = MPa × 145.0377

PSI to MPa = PSI × 0.00689476

MPa PSI (Approx.) Bar
1 145 10
3 435 30
5 725 50
10 1,450 100
14 2,031 140
16 2,321 160
20 2,901 200
21 3,046 210
25 3,626 250
28 4,061 280
31.5 4,569 315
35 5,076 350
42 6,092 420
49 7,107 490
56 8,122 560

Values are rounded for quick reference. Always use the manufacturer's published ratings and appropriate precision for engineering decisions.


How to Convert MPa to PSI

To convert a hydraulic hose pressure rating from MPa to PSI, multiply the MPa value by 145.0377.

Example: 25 MPa to PSI

25 × 145.0377 = 3,625.94 PSI

Therefore, 25 MPa is approximately 3,626 PSI.


How to Convert PSI to MPa

To convert PSI to MPa, multiply the PSI value by 0.00689476.

Example: 3,000 PSI to MPa

3,000 × 0.00689476 = 20.6843 MPa

Therefore, 3,000 PSI is approximately 20.68 MPa.


Why Is Pressure Conversion Important?

Hydraulic hose specifications from different countries may use different pressure units.

Accurate conversion helps buyers compare hose ratings, check equipment requirements, and communicate with suppliers.

However, converting units does not change a hose's physical pressure capacity or establish whether two products are interchangeable.

1_0003_DIN EN856 4SP3


Understanding Hydraulic Hose Pressure Ratings

Hydraulic hose selection requires more than converting MPa into PSI. Engineers must also understand the pressure ratings specified by the manufacturer.


Maximum Working Pressure

Maximum working pressure is the highest pressure at which a hydraulic hose is rated to operate under the applicable specified conditions.

For example, a hose rated at 21 MPa has a maximum working pressure of approximately 3,046 PSI.

The hose must be suitable for the system's operating pressure and relevant pressure fluctuations.


Burst Pressure and Safety Factors

Burst pressure is determined through destructive pressure testing and is different from maximum working pressure.

Many conventional hydraulic hose specifications use a minimum burst-pressure-to-working-pressure ratio of 4:1. However, the applicable requirement depends on the hose standard and product design.

Example:

  • Maximum Working Pressure: 20 MPa

  • Minimum Burst Pressure at a 4:1 Ratio: 80 MPa

This ratio does not mean that the hose can safely operate at 80 MPa or that pressure spikes up to burst pressure are acceptable.

Always refer to the applicable hose specification and manufacturer's technical documentation.


Pressure Ratings of Complete Hose Assemblies

A hydraulic hose assembly includes the hose and its end fittings.

The rated working pressure of the complete assembly cannot exceed the rating of its lowest-rated component.

Engineers should therefore verify hose pressure, fitting compatibility, operating temperature, hydraulic fluid, and assembly specifications before installation.

For more information about pressure-based hose classification, read our ISO 18752 Hydraulic Hose Standard Guide.


How to Read Hydraulic Hose Pressure Ratings

Check Hose Markings

Hydraulic hose cover markings may include the manufacturer's name, product model, nominal size, applicable standard, and maximum working pressure.

For example, a hose marking of 35 MPa indicates a pressure rating equivalent to approximately 5,076 PSI.

The exact information shown varies by manufacturer and product specification.


Check Actual Hydraulic System Pressure

The hydraulic system's operating pressure should be measured using suitable, correctly rated pressure-testing equipment. Engineers should consider normal operating pressure, relief valve settings, and relevant transient pressure conditions when selecting a hose.

The selected hose and complete assembly must meet the applicable system requirements. Pressure readings alone do not replace the need to verify the manufacturer's rated specifications.


Review Manufacturer Datasheets

A hydraulic hose datasheet typically provides technical information such as:

  • Nominal inside diameter

  • Maximum working pressure

  • Minimum bend radius

  • Operating temperature range

  • Reinforcement construction

  • Fluid compatibility

  • Applicable hose standards

Use the manufacturer's datasheet to confirm the relevant pressure rating instead of relying solely on a converted numerical value.


Confirm Complete Assembly Compatibility

When selecting hydraulic hose assemblies, verify the pressure ratings of both hoses and fittings.

The complete assembly must be suitable for the application's pressure, temperature, fluid, and installation conditions.


Frequently Asked Questions About MPa and PSI

What does MPa mean on a hydraulic hose?

MPa stands for megapascal, a metric unit of pressure. When shown as a working pressure rating, it indicates the maximum pressure at which the hose is rated to operate under specified conditions.

What does PSI mean on a hydraulic hose?

PSI means pounds per square inch. It is a pressure unit commonly used in US hydraulic hose specifications.

How many PSI is 1 MPa?

1 MPa equals approximately 145.038 PSI.

How many PSI is 20 MPa?

20 MPa equals approximately 2,901 PSI.

How many PSI is 35 MPa?

35 MPa equals approximately 5,076 PSI.

How do you convert PSI to MPa?

Multiply the PSI value by 0.00689476. For example, 3,000 PSI is approximately 20.68 MPa.

Is MPa higher than PSI?

One MPa represents more pressure than one PSI, but both are units measuring the same physical quantity. A pressure value can be expressed in either unit without changing the actual pressure.

Can I use a PSI-rated hydraulic hose in an MPa-rated system?

Yes, provided that the hose and complete assembly meet the system's actual pressure, fluid, temperature, and installation requirements. Converting pressure units alone does not establish full compatibility.


Conclusion: Understanding MPa and PSI in Hydraulic Hoses

MPa and PSI are two different units used to express hydraulic pressure. Understanding their conversion helps engineers and industrial buyers compare hydraulic hose specifications across different measurement systems.

1 MPa equals approximately 145.038 PSI, but pressure conversion alone does not determine whether a hydraulic hose is suitable for a particular application.

Always verify maximum working pressure, operating temperature, hydraulic fluid compatibility, fittings, and complete assembly requirements before selecting a hose.

GSD Rubber supplies hydraulic hoses for industrial and mobile equipment applications, including braided and spiral-reinforced hose products.

Explore our Hydraulic Hose Product Range or contact our team with your pressure, size, and application requirements for product specifications and quotations.


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