PSI to Bar Converter
Convert PSI to bar and back for tires, compressors and workshop pressure settings.
Last updated: May 2026
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Converting PSI to bar
PSI is common on US tire and pressure gauges, while bar is used across Europe. Use this converter when a tire or equipment pressure is given in PSI and you need bar. bar = PSI × 0.0689475729
Pressure reference: tyres, tools, and compressors
| PSI | bar |
|---|---|
| 14.50 | 1.00 |
| 29.01 | 2.00 |
| 36.26 | 2.50 |
| 43.51 | 3.00 |
PSI and bar in the real world
Putting the two units next to familiar equipment makes a reading easier to judge. The conversion never changes, but the context tells you whether a number looks sensible.
- Car tyres usually run at 30 to 35 psi, which is about 2.1 to 2.4 bar.
- Road bike tyres are much higher, often 80 to 130 psi, or roughly 5.5 to 9 bar.
- Home water pressure is commonly 40 to 60 psi, about 2.8 to 4.1 bar.
- An espresso machine targets around 9 bar at the group head, close to 131 psi.
- A scuba cylinder is filled to roughly 200 to 300 bar, which is about 2900 to 4350 psi.
If a converted value lands far outside the range you expect for that equipment, check whether the gauge was reading in psi or bar before acting on it.
Tyre pressure by vehicle type
Recommended tyre pressure varies by vehicle type, load rating and tyre size. The values below are typical ranges, not a substitute for the placard on your driver's door jamb or fuel cap. Use these ranges as a sanity check: if a converted value lands far outside the expected range for your vehicle type, the original reading may have been in the wrong unit.
| Vehicle type | Typical front (psi) | Typical front (bar) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact car | 30-34 | 2.1-2.3 | Rear often same; check placard |
| Family sedan | 32-36 | 2.2-2.5 | Rear may be 2 psi higher when laden |
| SUV / crossover | 35-40 | 2.4-2.8 | Higher load rating = higher pressure |
| Van / MPV (laden) | 42-55 | 2.9-3.8 | Rear pressure rises significantly with load |
| Road bicycle (23-25 mm) | 90-120 | 6.2-8.3 | Narrow tyre, much higher than cars |
| Mountain bike (2.2-2.4 in) | 25-35 | 1.7-2.4 | Lower pressure for trail grip |
Compressor and pneumatic tool pressures
Compressors carry two separate pressure ratings: the tank fill pressure (how high the compressor pumps) and the working pressure at the output regulator (what you actually set for your tool). Always regulate down to the tool's requirement. If the tool specification is in bar and your regulator reads psi, convert before connecting.
| Equipment | Working pressure (psi) | Working pressure (bar) |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre inflator | 30-44 | 2.1-3.0 |
| Nail gun / brad nailer | 70-120 | 4.8-8.3 |
| HVLP spray gun | 25-50 | 1.7-3.4 |
| Impact wrench (1/2 in) | 90-150 | 6.2-10.3 |
| Home compressor tank | 125-150 | 8.6-10.3 |
Example: a nail gun rated at 6 bar needs roughly 87 psi at the regulator. A spray gun requiring 30 psi is about 2.1 bar. Most home compressors fill to 125-150 psi but every tool requires a lower regulated output.
Frequently Asked Questions
My car door placard says 2.3 bar, what is that in PSI?
Multiply the bar figure by 14.5038 to get PSI: 2.3 × 14.5038 = about 33.4 psi. Set a gauge that reads in PSI to roughly 33 to 34 psi when the placard calls for 2.3 bar. Check pressure when the tyres are cold, because driving warms the air and pushes the reading a few PSI higher.
My bike pump reads PSI but my shock wants bar, how do I switch?
Go the other way and divide the PSI reading by 14.5038 to get bar. If your shock manual asks for a setting in bar and your pump only shows PSI, pump to the target, read the PSI, then divide by 14.5038. For example, 150 psi divided by 14.5038 is about 10.3 bar. Rear suspension and fork charts often quote bar, so keep the divisor handy on the trail.
Is 35 psi too high for a tyre rated 2.4 bar max?
Convert the rating first: 2.4 bar × 14.5038 = about 34.8 psi. That means 35 psi sits just above the 2.4 bar maximum, by roughly 0.2 psi. It is a small overshoot rather than a danger, but bleed it down to 34 psi or a touch less to stay within the printed limit, and always read pressure cold.
How do I set a psi regulator for a tool rated in bar?
Convert the bar rating to psi first by multiplying by 14.5038. A tool requiring 6 bar needs about 87 psi at the regulator. Set the regulator while the tool is connected but not firing, then release the adjustment lock so pressure does not creep. Most pneumatic tools list a minimum and maximum pressure range, not just a single value; stay within that window to avoid damaging the tool or getting poor performance from it.
Why does my tyre read higher pressure after driving than before?
As air inside a tyre heats up during driving, pressure typically rises 4 to 6 psi (about 0.3 to 0.4 bar) above the cold reading. Manufacturers specify cold inflation pressure on the door-jamb placard, meaning the tyre should have been sitting unused for at least three hours. If you check after a drive and the reading is high, do not let air out to match the placard figure. Wait for the tyre to cool, then recheck. Releasing air from a warm tyre leaves it underinflated once it cools.