MPa (Megapascals)

MPa (megapascals) is the metric unit for measuring concrete compressive strength, used internationally and in engineering specifications. One megapascal equals 1,000,000 pascals or approximately 145 PSI. Standard residential concrete in the US (3,000-4,000 PSI) is equivalent to 20-28 MPa.

Why It Matters

While the US construction industry uses PSI, most international standards, engineering research, and imported product specifications use MPa. Understanding the conversion is essential when reading technical literature, working with engineered designs, or using products manufactured to metric standards. Canadian building codes, for example, specify concrete strength exclusively in MPa.

Many concrete testing reports include both units, but mix design specifications from engineers may use either system depending on the project's origin or applicable standards.

Technical Details

Conversion:

• 1 MPa = 145.038 PSI
• 1 PSI = 0.00689 MPa

Common concrete strengths in both units:

Quick mental conversion:

• Divide PSI by 145 to get MPa (3,000 PSI / 145 = ~21 MPa)
• Multiply MPa by 145 to get PSI (25 MPa x 145 = ~3,625 PSI)

International standards:

• EN 206 (Europe): specifies concrete classes like C25/30 (cube/cylinder MPa)
• CSA A23.1 (Canada): uses MPa exclusively
• AS 1379 (Australia): uses MPa exclusively

Related Terms

• PSI - US unit for concrete compressive strength
• Compressive Strength - The property measured in MPa or PSI
• Ready-Mix - Concrete ordered by strength specification

Learn More

• Concrete Basics - Understanding concrete properties
• Driveway Thickness Requirements - Strength specifications for driveways
• Concrete Calculator - Plan your project