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Foundations of Chemistry

Standard Temperature and Pressure

A defined reference condition used to report and compare gas measurements, currently 0 °C and 100 kPa under IUPAC.

Formula / equation T = 273.15 K, p = 100 kPa
Unit K, kPa

In depth

Older literature and many textbooks use 1 atm (101.325 kPa) instead of 100 kPa, giving a molar volume of 22.414 L/mol rather than 22.711 L/mol, so the convention in use must always be stated. A separate set of standard ambient conditions (SATP, 25 °C and 100 kPa) is used for thermodynamic data.

Examples in the real world

Quoting a gas yield as 2.24 L at STP means 0.100 mol; comparing engine emissions requires all volumes at a common reference state.