To convert PSI to feet of head, which factor is used?

To convert PSI to feet of head, which factor is used?

• A. 2.31
• B. .433
• C. 1.0
• D. 0.5

Answer: (B)

Pressure from a column of water is tied to how high that column is. In feet of water, the standard relationship is that 1 psi equals about 2.31 feet of head. So, to convert pressure in psi to height in feet, you multiply by 2.31. The number 0.433, on the other hand, is the amount of pressure (in psi) produced by one foot of water. That means it’s the factor used when converting feet of head to psi, not psi to feet. If you see 0.433 as the answer for converting psi to feet, it’s the inverse direction, which explains the confusion. The correct factor for psi to feet of head is 2.31.

Pressure from a column of water is tied to how high that column is. In feet of water, the standard relationship is that 1 psi equals about 2.31 feet of head. So, to convert pressure in psi to height in feet, you multiply by 2.31.

The number 0.433, on the other hand, is the amount of pressure (in psi) produced by one foot of water. That means it’s the factor used when converting feet of head to psi, not psi to feet. If you see 0.433 as the answer for converting psi to feet, it’s the inverse direction, which explains the confusion. The correct factor for psi to feet of head is 2.31.