Structural engineering unit converter
Convert bending stress, shear stress, modulus, and material strength values between MPa, ksi, psi, kPa, GPa, and psf.
Enter a value in any field
Next step
Build a beam model with section properties to calculate bending and average shear stress along the span.
Quick reference
MPa and N/mm² are equivalent, which is why MPa is common in steel and concrete calculations.
| From | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 MPa | 145.038 psi |
| 1 MPa | 0.145038 ksi |
| 1 ksi | 6.89476 MPa |
| 1 psi | 6.89476 kPa |
| 1 GPa | 145.038 ksi |
| 1 MPa | 1 N/mm² |
Engineering context
Bending stress is commonly calculated from moment, section inertia, and distance to the extreme fibre. Average shear stress uses shear force and relevant section properties.
Stress and pressure share the same force-per-area dimension. In practice, MPa and ksi are common for material stress, while kPa and psf are common for building pressures and area loads.
A force becomes stress only after it is distributed over an area. Do not enter an MPa or ksi value into a point-load field.
Where this conversion is used
Questions engineers ask
Multiply MPa by approximately 145.038.
Multiply MPa by approximately 0.145038.
Yes. One megapascal equals one newton per square millimetre.
Use MPa with a metric model and ksi with an imperial model, keeping all section and material properties in the same unit system.
Conversion factors follow SI and U.S. customary unit relationships. Rounded reference values are for convenience; the live converter uses higher-precision factors.