Weight vs. Pressure — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 9, 2024
Weight is the force exerted by gravity on an object, measured in units like pounds or kilograms, while pressure is the force exerted over an area, measured in units like pascals or psi.
Difference Between Weight and Pressure
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Weight refers to the gravitational force exerted on an object, dependent solely on the object's mass and the gravitational pull of the Earth or another celestial body. Pressure, on the other hand, is defined as the amount of force exerted per unit area, crucial in contexts ranging from atmospheric science to fluid mechanics. This highlights how weight is a specific force, whereas pressure describes how that force is distributed over a surface.
While weight is a scalar quantity involving no direction, just magnitude, pressure is a scalar that results from forces acting over an area, often in various directions depending on the situation. This distinction underscores that weight is straightforward with direct measurement, whereas pressure's impact is derived from both the force applied and the area it covers.
Weight is measured using scales that directly quantify the gravitational pull on an object's mass. Pressure measurement, however, involves tools like manometers or barometers, which assess the force exerted across a surface, demonstrating different technological approaches to measuring these two concepts.
In everyday terms, an object's weight on Earth remains constant assuming constant mass, while the pressure it exerts can change depending on how the force is spread over an area. For example, a person's weight is the same whether standing on both feet or one, but the pressure on the ground changes significantly between the two scenarios, illustrating practical differences in how we experience weight versus pressure.
Environmental factors such as altitude do not affect an object’s intrinsic weight but can significantly influence atmospheric pressure, indicating that pressure is more sensitive to external conditions compared to weight, which is primarily an inherent property of an object.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Force due to gravity on an object.
Force applied over an area.
Units
Pounds (lbs), Kilograms (kg)
Pascals (Pa), Pounds per square inch (psi)
Measurement
Scales
Manometers, Barometers
Dependency
Mass, Gravitational pull
Force, Area
Affected by
Mass changes, Gravity
Area, Force distribution, Environmental conditions
Compare with Definitions
Weight
The gravitational force exerted on an object’s mass.
The weight of the backpack increased as more books were added.
Pressure
The amount of force exerted per unit area.
The pressure in the hydraulic system changes with the fluid dynamics.
Weight
Constant for an object unless mass or gravity changes.
The weight of the car remains constant unless it is loaded or unloaded.
Pressure
Measured in pascals or psi.
Tire pressure is commonly measured in psi for clarity.
Weight
Measured in units like pounds or kilograms.
He adjusted the weight on the scale to balance the mass.
Pressure
Influenced by the area over which a force is distributed.
Wearing snowshoes distributes weight over a larger area, reducing pressure and preventing sinking.
Weight
Directly proportional to the mass of an object and gravity.
An astronaut’s weight on the moon is less than on Earth due to lower gravity.
Pressure
Can vary with environmental factors like altitude.
Atmospheric pressure decreases with higher altitude.
Weight
A scalar quantity indicating magnitude only.
The total weight of the cargo was calculated for the shipment.
Pressure
Important in various scientific and engineering contexts.
Blood pressure measurement is crucial in medical diagnostics.
Weight
In science and engineering, the weight of an object is the force acting on the object due to gravity.Some standard textbooks define weight as a vector quantity, the gravitational force acting on the object. Others define weight as a scalar quantity, the magnitude of the gravitational force.
Pressure
Pressure (symbol: p or P) is the force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area over which that force is distributed. Gauge pressure (also spelled gage pressure) is the pressure relative to the ambient pressure.
Weight
A measure of the heaviness of an object
A contest to guess the weight of a pig.
Pressure
Continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it
The gate was buckling under the pressure of the crowd outside
Weight
The force with which a body is attracted to Earth or another celestial body, equal to the product of the object's mass and the acceleration of gravity.
Pressure
The use of persuasion or intimidation to make someone do something
Backbenchers put pressure on the government to provide safeguards
The many pressures on girls to worry about their looks
Weight
A unit measure of gravitational force
A table of weights and measures.
Pressure
Attempt to persuade or coerce (someone) into doing something
It might be possible to pressure him into resigning
She pressured her son to accept a job offer from the bank
Weight
A system of such measures
Avoirdupois weight.
Troy weight.
Pressure
The act of pressing.
Weight
A metallic solid used as a standard of comparison in weighing.
Pressure
The condition of being pressed.
Weight
An object used to hold something else down.
Pressure
The application of continuous force by one body on another that it is touching; compression.
Weight
A counterbalance in a machine.
Pressure
Abbr. P(Physics)Force applied over a surface, measured as force per unit area.
Weight
(Sports) A heavy object, such as a dumbbell, lifted for exercise or in athletic competition.
Pressure
(Meteorology) Atmospheric pressure.
Weight
Excessive fat; corpulence
Exercising in order to lose weight.
Pressure
A compelling or constraining influence, such as persuasion or negative attitudes, on the mind or will
Felt pressure to conform.
Peer-group pressure.
Weight
(Statistics) A factor assigned to a number in a computation, as in determining an average, to increase or decrease the number's effect on the computation, reflecting its importance.
Pressure
An influence acting as a source of distress or hardship
Economic pressures forcing people to work two jobs.
Weight
Oppressiveness; pressure
The weight of responsibilities.
Pressure
(Sports) Sustained, effective play that puts an opponent at a disadvantage
Defensive pressure forced the quarterback to throw interceptions.
Weight
The greater part; preponderance
The weight of the evidence is against the defendant.
Pressure
The condition of being subjected to physical, mental, social, or economic distress
Doesn't work well under pressure.
Weight
Influence, importance, or authority
Her approval carried great weight.
Pressure
A physical sensation produced by compression of a part of the body.
Weight
Ponderous quality
The weight of the speaker's words.
Pressure
(Archaic) A mark made by application of force or weight; an impression.
Weight
(Sports) A classification according to comparative lightness or heaviness. Often used in combination
A heavyweight boxer.
Pressure
To force or try to force, as by influence or persuasion
The salesman pressured us to buy the car right away.
Weight
The heaviness or thickness of a fabric in relation to a particular season or use. Often used in combination
A summerweight jacket.
Pressure
To pressurize.
Weight
A measure of the relative thickness of yarn.
Pressure
To pressure-cook.
Weight
To make heavy or heavier
Our backpacks were weighted down with food and other essentials.
Pressure
A pressing; a force applied to a surface.
Apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding.
Weight
To cause to feel concerned, sad, or preoccupied; burden or oppress
He was weighted with guilt.
Pressure
A contrasting force or impulse of any kind
The pressure of poverty; the pressure of taxes; the pressure of motives on the mind; the pressure of civilization.
Weight
To increase the weight or body of (fabrics) by treating with chemicals.
Pressure
Distress.
She has felt pressure lately because her boss expects her to get the job done by the first.
Weight
(Statistics) To assign weights or a weight to.
Pressure
Urgency
The pressure of business
Weight
To cause to have a slant or bias
Weighted the rules in favor of homeowners.
Pressure
(obsolete) Impression; stamp; character impressed.
Weight
(Sports) To assign to (a horse) the weight it must carry as a handicap in a race.
Pressure
(physics) The amount of force that is applied over a given area divided by the size of this area; force per unit area.
Weight
The force on an object due to the gravitational attraction between it and the Earth (or whatever astronomical object it is primarily influenced by).
Pressure
(transitive) To encourage or heavily exert force or influence.
Do not let anyone pressure you into buying something you do not want.
Weight
An object used to make something heavier.
Pressure
The act of pressing, or the condition of being pressed; compression; a squeezing; a crushing; as, a pressure of the hand.
Weight
A standardized block of metal used in a balance to measure the mass of another object.
Pressure
A contrasting force or impulse of any kind; as, the pressure of poverty; the pressure of taxes; the pressure of motives on the mind; the pressure of civilization.
Where the pressure of danger was not felt.
Weight
Importance or influence.
Pressure
Affliction; distress; grievance.
My people's pressures are grievous.
In the midst of his great troubles and pressures.
Weight
(weightlifting) An object, such as a weight plate or barbell, used for strength training.
He's working out with weights.
Pressure
Urgency; as, the pressure of business.
Weight
(lubricants) viscosity rating.
Pressure
Impression; stamp; character impressed.
All saws of books, all forms, all pressures past.
Weight
(physics) Mass (atomic weight, molecular weight, etc.) in restricted circumstances
Pressure
The action of a force against some obstacle or opposing force; a force in the nature of a thrust, distributed over a surface, often estimated with reference to the amount upon a unit's area.
Weight
Synonym of mass}} {{qualifier
Pressure
Electro-motive force.
Weight
(measurement) Mass (net weight, troy weight, carat weight, etc.).
Pressure
The force applied to a unit area of surface; measured in pascals (SI unit) or in dynes (cgs unit);
The compressed gas exerts an increased pressure
Weight
(statistics) A variable which multiplies a value for ease of statistical manipulation.
Pressure
A force that compels;
The public brought pressure to bear on the government
Weight
(topology) The smallest cardinality of a base.
Pressure
The act of pressing; the exertion of pressure;
He gave the button a press
He used pressure to stop the bleeding
At the pressing of a button
Weight
(typography) The boldness of a font; the relative thickness of its strokes.
Pressure
The state of urgently demanding notice or attention;
The press of business matters
Weight
(visual art) The relative thickness of a drawn rule or painted brushstroke, line weight.
Pressure
The somatic sensation of pressure;
The sensitivity of his skin to pressure and temperature was normal
Weight
(visual art) The illusion of mass.
Pressure
An oppressive condition of physical or mental or social or economic distress
Weight
(visual art) The thickness and opacity of paint.
Pressure
To cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means :
She forced him to take a job in the city
He squeezed her for information
Weight
Pressure; burden.
The weight of care or business
Pressure
Exert pressure on someone through threats
Weight
The resistance against which a machine acts, as opposed to the power which moves it.
Weight
Shipments of (often illegal) drugs.
He was pushing weight.
Weight
One pound of drugs, especially cannabis.
Weight
Money.
Weight
Weight class
Weight
(transitive) To add weight to something; to make something heavier.
Weight
To load (fabrics) with barite, etc. to increase the weight.
Weight
(transitive) To load, burden or oppress someone.
Weight
To assign weights to individual statistics.
Weight
(transitive) To bias something; to slant.
Weight
To handicap a horse with a specified weight.
Weight
To give a certain amount of force to a throw, kick, hit, etc.
Weight
The quality of being heavy; that property of bodies by which they tend toward the center of the earth; the effect of gravitative force, especially when expressed in certain units or standards, as pounds, grams, etc.
Weight
The quantity of heaviness; comparative tendency to the center of the earth; the quantity of matter as estimated by the balance, or expressed numerically with reference to some standard unit; as, a mass of stone having the weight of five hundred pounds.
For sorrow, like a heavy-hanging bell,Once set on ringing, with his own weight goes.
Weight
Hence, pressure; burden; as, the weight of care or business.
For the public all this weight he bears.
[He] who singly bore the world's sad weight.
Weight
Importance; power; influence; efficacy; consequence; moment; impressiveness; as, a consideration of vast weight.
In such a point of weight, so near mine honor.
Weight
A scale, or graduated standard, of heaviness; a mode of estimating weight; as, avoirdupois weight; troy weight; apothecaries' weight.
Weight
A ponderous mass; something heavy; as, a clock weight; a paper weight.
A man leapeth better with weights in his hands.
Weight
A definite mass of iron, lead, brass, or other metal, to be used for ascertaining the weight of other bodies; as, an ounce weight.
Weight
The resistance against which a machine acts, as opposed to the power which moves it.
Weight
To load with a weight or weights; to load down; to make heavy; to attach weights to; as, to weight a horse or a jockey at a race; to weight a whip handle.
The arrows of satire, . . . weighted with sense.
Weight
To assign a weight to; to express by a number the probable accuracy of, as an observation. See Weight of observations, under Weight.
Weight
To load (fabrics) as with barite, to increase the weight, etc.
Weight
To assign a numerical value expressing relative importance to (a measurement), to be multiplied by the value of the measurement in determining averages or other aggregate quantities; as, they weighted part one of the test twice as heavily as part 2.
Weight
The vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity
Weight
Sports equipment used in calisthenic exercises and weightlifting; a weight that is not attached to anything and is raised and lowered by use of the hands and arms
Weight
The relative importance granted to something;
His opinion carries great weight
Weight
An artifact that is heavy
Weight
An oppressive feeling of heavy force;
Bowed down by the weight of responsibility
Weight
A system of units used to express the weight of something
Weight
A unit used to measure weight;
He placed two weights in the scale pan
Weight
(statistics) a coefficient assigned to elements of a frequency distribution in order to represent their relative importance
Weight
Weight down with a load
Weight
Present with a bias;
He biased his presentation so as to please the share holders
Common Curiosities
What is weight?
Weight is the force exerted by gravity on an object, dependent on mass and gravity.
How are weight and pressure measured?
Weight is measured using scales, while pressure is measured using devices like manometers or barometers.
Does atmospheric pressure affect weight?
No, atmospheric pressure does not affect an object’s intrinsic weight, though it can affect how pressure is measured or experienced.
How does pressure relate to force?
Pressure is the distribution of force across a given area, affecting how the force is experienced or measured.
What units are used to measure weight?
Weight is commonly measured in kilograms or pounds.
What role does gravity play in determining weight?
Gravity is a key factor in weight, as it determines how the mass of an object translates into the gravitational force exerted.
What is pressure?
Pressure is the force exerted over a unit area.
How do different materials affect pressure?
Materials with different stiffness or compressibility can affect how pressure is distributed or absorbed, impacting engineering and design considerations.
Can weight change with location?
Yes, weight can change if the gravitational pull varies, such as on different planets.
How does area affect pressure?
As area increases with the same amount of force, pressure decreases, demonstrating an inverse relationship.
What is an example of pressure in everyday life?
Tire pressure is a common example, where correct pressure levels ensure optimal vehicle performance and safety.
What units are used to measure pressure?
Pressure is measured in pascals or pounds per square inch (psi).
Why does pressure change with altitude?
Pressure changes with altitude due to variations in the atmospheric mass above the measured point, affecting how atmospheric molecules exert force.
Can weight be zero?
Yes, in a zero-gravity environment, an object's weight can effectively be zero, though its mass remains unchanged.
How do weight and pressure interact in physical systems?
In physical systems, weight can contribute to pressure, especially when considering the force exerted by gravity over a specific area, such as in fluid columns or pressurized tanks.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
