Convert Hectopascals to Millibars
Convert Hectopascals (hPa) to Millibars (mbar) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
mbar = hPa × 1
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 Millibars
A millibar (mbar) = 100 Pa = 1 hPa - the historically dominant meteorological pressure unit. Standard sea-level pressure is 1013.25 mbar. Hurricane intensity is characterised by central pressure: Category 5 storms typically below 920 mbar (US record: 892 mbar, 1935). Upper-air analysis levels - 850, 700, 500, 300, 200 mbar - appear throughout decades of archived meteorological data. Aircraft cabins are pressurised to ~750-800 mbar at cruise altitude. 'Weather bombs' see pressure fall 24+ mbar in 24 hours. 1 mbar = 100 Pa.
Quick Reference Table
| Hectopascals (hPa) | Millibars (mbar) |
|---|---|
| 1 hPa | 1 mbar |
| 2 hPa | 2 mbar |
| 5 hPa | 5 mbar |
| 10 hPa | 10 mbar |
| 25 hPa | 25 mbar |
| 50 hPa | 50 mbar |
| 100 hPa | 100 mbar |