Wind Pressure Calculator

Inputs

Wind speed

Use the fastest expected 3‑second gust if available.

Speed unit

The calculator converts speed internally to m/s.

Output pressure unit

kPa and kN/m² are numerically identical.

Air density mode

Density changes dynamic pressure significantly at high altitude.

Air density (kg/m³)

Typical range: 0.9–1.3 kg/m³ for many sites.

Air temperature (°C)

Used with elevation to estimate density.

Site elevation (m)

Clamped internally to a common atmosphere range.

Design coefficients

For basic pressure, set all coefficients to 1.00.

Height / exposure factor (Kz)

Common range: 0.6–1.6.

Topographic factor (Kzt)

Use 1.00 when topography is not critical.

Directionality factor (Kd)

Often below 1.00 to reflect directionality.

Gust factor (G)

Typical rigid building value: 0.85.

Pressure coefficient (Cp)

Use negative values for suction, if needed.

Importance factor (I)

Adjust for risk category and required reliability.

Optional force calculation

Force = pressure × area (using design pressure p).

Loaded area

Leave blank to skip force calculation.

Area unit

Area is converted internally to m².

Example data table

Scenario	Wind speed	ρ (kg/m³)	Kz	Kzt	Kd	G	Cp	I	q (Pa)	p (Pa)
Low-rise, open terrain	35 m/s	1.225	0.9	1	0.85	0.85	0.8	1	75	39
Mid-rise, suburban	45 m/s	1.225	1.1	1	0.85	0.85	0.9	1	124	887
High gust exposure	55 m/s	1.225	1.25	1.05	0.85	0.95	-0.9	1.15	1853	-2032

Examples are illustrative only. Use project-specific coefficients and governing criteria.

Formula used

1) Dynamic pressure

q = 0.5 × ρ × V²

q = dynamic wind pressure (Pa = N/m²)
ρ = air density (kg/m³)
V = wind speed (m/s)

2) Design pressure

p = q × Kz × Kzt × Kd × G × Cp × I

Kz height/exposure adjustment
Kzt topographic speed-up adjustment
Kd directionality adjustment
G gust response factor
Cp pressure coefficient (positive or suction)
I importance factor

3) Force (optional)

F = p × A

Area is converted to m² internally before computing force in newtons.

How to use this calculator

Enter the wind speed and pick its unit.
Select an air density mode: standard, custom, or estimated.
Set coefficients to match your structure and site conditions.
Optionally enter an area to compute total force.
Press Submit to view results above the form.
Use the download buttons to export your results.

Tip: If you only need basic dynamic pressure, set all coefficients to 1.00.