# Hydraulic Pressure vs Flow

Understand the difference between pressure, flow, force, and speed in a hydraulic system.

## Outcome
Explain why a slow actuator and a weak actuator are not the same symptom.

## Safe first step
Identify whether the complaint is force, speed, heat, or noise.

## Ladder steps
### 1. Define pressure
Learn to define pressure as one discrete move in the project path.

Check: You can explain or demonstrate: define pressure.

### 2. Define flow
Learn to define flow as one discrete move in the project path.

Check: You can explain or demonstrate: define flow.

### 3. Map force to pressure
Learn to map force to pressure as one discrete move in the project path.

Check: You can explain or demonstrate: map force to pressure.

### 4. Map speed to flow
Learn to map speed to flow as one discrete move in the project path.

Check: You can explain or demonstrate: map speed to flow.

## Examples
### Practice pressure gauge reading
```sh
Pressure gauge reading
```
Expected signal: A visible result you can compare before moving on

### Practice flow path trace
```sh
Flow path trace
```
Expected signal: A visible result you can compare before moving on

### Practice cylinder bore comparison
```sh
Cylinder bore comparison
```
Expected signal: A visible result you can compare before moving on

## Common traps
- Calling every hydraulic problem low pressure.
- Ignoring relief valves.
- Measuring without knowing expected operating conditions.

## Practice task
Create a small practice case for hydraulic pressure vs flow and write what each step proves before moving to the next one.

## Next steps
- Download the Obsidian note.
- Review the Anki cards.
- Pick one related ladder and do the practice task.

## Related
- [Browse topic clusters](/topics/)
- [All learning ladders](/learn/)