Viscosity Converter
Convert between pascal-seconds, centipoise, and poise.
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Viscosity = resistance to flow. Dynamic: Pa·s (SI) or cP (industry). Kinematic: m²/s or cSt. Essential for lubrication and chemical engineering.
Dynamic vs Kinematic
Dynamic (Pa·s, cP) = internal resistance. Kinematic (m²/s, cSt) = dynamic ÷ density. Engine oil: 100–200 cP at room temp.
Common Viscosities
Water: ~1 cP. Honey: 2,000–10,000 cP. Motor oil: 50–1,000 cP depending on grade/temperature.
How to Use This Calculator
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Applications
Lubrication
SAE 5W-30: '30' ≈ 10 cSt at 100°C. Convert cSt↔cP↔Pa·s for engineering calculations.
Process Engineering
Polymer melts: 100–100,000 Pa·s. Convert for international equipment specs.
Food Industry
Tomato sauce: ~50,000 cP. Convert for international food processing standards.
Industrial Applications
Viscosity is an important property in industrial applications such as lubrication, where the viscosity of a fluid can affect the performance and longevity of machinery. For example, in hydraulic systems, the viscosity of the fluid can determine the amount of pressure and flow rate, while in coolants, it can affect the heat transfer and corrosion protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you convert cP to Pa·s?
Divide by 1,000. 100 cP = 0.1 Pa·s. 1 cP = 0.001 Pa·s = 1 mPa·s.
Viscosity of water?
At 20°C: ~1.002 cP (dynamic) or ~1.004 cSt (kinematic).
cP vs cSt?
cP = dynamic viscosity. cSt = kinematic viscosity. cSt = cP ÷ density (g/cm³).
Can you convert viscosity from FPS to L/min?
Yes, you can use the conversion factor of 1 L/min = 0.4536 m/s.
How do you convert viscosity from kg/m³ to lb/ft?
You can use the conversion factor of 1 lb/ft = 0.4536 kg/m³.