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To convert a gauge reading in psig to absolute pressure in psia, what do you add?

Add 14.7.

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  1. About 29.9
  2. About 32
  3. About 14.7 ✔

Why: Gauges read pressure above atmospheric. Absolute pressure counts from a perfect vacuum, so you add atmospheric pressure, about 14.7 psi at sea level. EPA's test topics note this when using a temperature-pressure chart.

Huh, didn't know that: 29.9 inches of mercury is standard atmospheric pressure.

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References

Answer: About 14.7. Gauges read pressure above atmospheric. Absolute pressure counts from a perfect vacuum, so you add atmospheric pressure, about 14.7 psi at sea level. EPA's test topics note this when using a temperature-pressure chart.

  1. Section 608 Technician Certification Test Topics, US EPA www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-test-topics
    add 14.7 to translate pounds per square inch gauge (psig) to pounds per square inch absolute (psia)
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. 40 CFR 82.156 (Cornell LII) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/40/82.156
    29.9 inches of mercury (standard atmospheric pressure)
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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