Enter the surface area of the object and the wind speed into the calculator to determine the wind pressure and wind force.

Wind Pressure Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the wind pressure and wind force.

F = 1/2*p*V^2*A
  • Where F is the wind force (N)
  • p is the air density (kg/m^3)
  • V is the air velocity (m/s)
  • A is the surface area (m^2)

The wind force is also known as the wind load.

The formula can further be reduced to the following:

WP = 1/2*p*V^2
  • Where WP is the wind pressure (Pa)
  • p is the air density
  • V is the air velocity

Wind Pressure Definition

Wind pressure is defined as the dynamic force per unit area that is acting on an object that is being affected by the movement of air.

Example Problem

How to calculate wind pressure?

  1. First, determine the density of air.

    Dry air is estimated to have 1.2 kg/m^3.

  2. Next, determine the surface area of the object.

    In this example, the object is a simple sphere with a cross-sectional surface area of 50 m^2.

  3. Next, determine the wind speed.

    In this example, the wind velocity is 1.5 m/s.

  4. Finally, calculate the wind pressure using the formula above:

    First, the wind force is calculated as:
    F = 1/2*p*V^2*A
    F = 1/2*1.2*1.5^2*50
    F = 67.5 N.
    Then the wind pressure is calculated by dividing the force by area:
    WP = F/A
    WP = 67.5/ 50
    WP = 1.35