Often you will see a measurement of vacuum pressure described as an absolute pressure reading, so is there any difference between the two?
A vacuum pressure is one that is lower than the ambient environment surrounding pressure, and is typically measured relative to a perfect vacuum or full vacuum.
Since the reference pressure is not relative to another pressure and does not change, it is called the absolute reference or absolute pressure reference.
Featured vacuum measurement products
Baroli 02 Precision Digital Pressure Gauge - Precision digital pressure gauge with ranges from 100 mbar (1.5 psi) up to 600 bar (9000 psi) for measuring to an accuracy of 0.125% FS BSL.
DMP343 Low Range Pneumatic Pressure Sensor - DMP343 pneumatic pressure sensor for measuring very low range pressures on pneumatic control systems, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) .
Any pressure measured relative to a full vacuum, whether above or below the surrounding ambient air pressure, is called an absolute pressure.
A vacuum pressure can always be measured and defined as an absolute pressure, but an absolute pressure can also be used to define pressures outside the vacuum range.

Featured absolute pressure measurement products
DMP333 High Range Precision Pressure Transmitter - The DMP 333 is a stainless steel 316L wetted parts pressure sensor for high pressure ranges on applications such as hydraulic test benches, presses, and hydraulic actuation.
LMK457 Marine Approved Level Transmitter - Marine approved level transmitter with 4-20mA current loop output for shipbuilding with optional all CuNiFe construction for sea-water compatibility in ranges from 0.4 mH2O to 250mH2O gauge.
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Related Technical Terms
- Absolute Pressure
- Barometric Pressure
- MSL – Mean Sea Level
- Negative Gauge Pressure
- Reference Pressure
- Suction Pressure
- Vacuum