Convert Hectopascals to Kilobars
Convert Hectopascals (hPa) to Kilobars (kbar) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
kbar = hPa × 1.000000000e-6
About Hectopascals
A hectopascal (hPa) = 100 Pa = 1 mbar - the WMO-official SI-compatible meteorological pressure unit since 1986, replacing millibar with no numerical change. All modern surface observations (METAR, SYNOP), digital barometers, aviation weather, and weather apps report in hPa. QNH altimeter settings outside North America are in hPa. ICAO standard sea-level pressure is 1013.25 hPa. Continental high-pressure record exceeds 1084 hPa; Typhoon Tip (1979) holds the low record at ~870 hPa. 1 hPa = 100 Pa.
About Kilobars
A kilobar (kbar) = 1,000 bar = 100 MPa = 10⁸ Pa - standard in high-pressure geophysics and experimental petrology. Earth mantle phase transitions: olivine → wadsleyite at ~130-140 kbar (410 km depth); post-spinel transition at ~230 kbar (660 km). Diamond anvil cells routinely reach 100-400 kbar for materials synthesis and equation-of-state measurement. High-pressure synthesis of cubic boron nitride (~50 kbar) and superhard materials uses large-volume presses. Explosive shock pressures for mining and demolition: 100-1,000 kbar. 1 kbar = 100 MPa.
Quick Reference Table
| Hectopascals (hPa) | Kilobars (kbar) |
|---|---|
| 1 hPa | 1 × 10-6 kbar |
| 2 hPa | 2 × 10-6 kbar |
| 5 hPa | 5 × 10-6 kbar |
| 10 hPa | 1 × 10-5 kbar |
| 25 hPa | 2.5 × 10-5 kbar |
| 50 hPa | 5 × 10-5 kbar |
| 100 hPa | 1 × 10-4 kbar |