Pressure vs. Depth

This activity corresponds to the topic of Fluids and Hydrostatics, in which you will explore how pressure changes with depth, fluid density, and atmospheric pressure.

Move the sliders to see how pressure changes with depth, compare different fluids, and test your knowledge in the final challenge.

System Parameters

Depth (h) 20 m

Fluid Density (ρ) 1,000 kg/m³

Atmospheric Pressure (P₀) 101,325 Pa

Applied Formula — Hydrostatic Pressure Equation

P_total = P₀ + ρ · g · h

= 101,325 + 1,000 × 9.81 × 20

Gauge Pressure

196,200

Pa (ρ·g·h)

Total Pressure

297,525

Equivalent in atm

2.94

atm

Visual Reference

Fluid

Free Surface (P₀)

Measurement Point (P)

At this depth, the gauge pressure exceeds the atmospheric pressure.

Same depth — different fluids

Depth (h) 10 m

Fluid	ρ (kg/m³)	Gauge P (Pa)	Relative to water

Hydrostatic pressure is directly proportional to the fluid density.

Concept Challenge