Pressure Altitude Calculator
Calculate pressure altitude from field elevation and altimeter setting. Pressure altitude is the altitude in the standard atmosphere corresponding to the current atmospheric pressure and is used for performance chart calculations, density altitude computation, and flight level operations.
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Why This Matters to Pilots
Pressure altitude is the foundation for all performance calculations. Your POH performance charts require pressure altitude (not indicated altitude) as an input for takeoff distance, climb rate, and cruise performance.
Above 18,000 ft MSL (FL180), all altimeters are set to 29.92 inHg, so the altimeter reads pressure altitude directly. Below FL180, understanding the relationship between altimeter setting and pressure altitude helps verify your calculations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This calculator is for educational and planning purposes only. Always refer to your aircraft's POH/AFM, current NOTAMs, and official weather briefings. No calculator is a substitute for pilot-in-command judgment or CFI guidance.
Last reviewed: July 2026
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