Formulae for barotropic and baroclinic pressure gradients, suitable for one-dimensional lake models, are derived and explored. The derivation is based on the equation for free standing oscillations and continuity relation. The formulae, which are easy to derive and use, give the correct external and internal seiche frequencies for nonrotating, rectangular one- or two-layered basins of constant depth. When applied to situations with continuous stratification, further assumptions need to be introduced. These are discussed in the paper. Applications to a laboratory experiment, dealing with wind-induced entrainment, show that pressure gradients for the entrainment process are significant and that the pressure formulae derived capture this effect. The formulae are also used in combination with a one-dimensional lake model. Comparisons with field measurements of the seasonal stratification show that the inclusion of pressure gradients improves the predictive capabilities of the lake model. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1989