Viscosity Converter Calculator

Convert viscosity measurements between different units quickly and accurately. This calculator supports common viscosity units including pascal-second (Pa⋅s), poise (P), centipoise (cP), and millipascal-second (mPa⋅s).

Understanding Viscosity Units

Viscosity measures a fluid’s resistance to flow. Different fields use different units:

• Pascal-second (Pa⋅s): The SI unit for dynamic viscosity
• Poise (P): CGS unit for dynamic viscosity
• Centipoise (cP): Common in industry, equal to millipascal-second
• Millipascal-second (mPa⋅s): Commonly used for low-viscosity fluids

Common Conversions

Here are some useful viscosity conversion factors:

• 1 Pa⋅s = 10 P
• 1 P = 100 cP
• 1 cP = 1 mPa⋅s
• 1 Pa⋅s = 1000 mPa⋅s

Applications

Viscosity conversion is important in many fields:

1. Chemical Processing: Fluid handling and mixing
2. Oil Industry: Lubricant specifications
3. Food Industry: Product consistency
4. Paint Industry: Product formulation
5. Pharmaceutical: Medicine production
6. Automotive: Engine oil specifications

Using the Calculator

1. Enter a viscosity value in any unit
2. The calculator automatically converts to all other units
3. Results are shown with appropriate precision

Common Viscosity Values

For reference, here are some typical viscosity values at 20°C:

• Water: 1.002 cP
• Blood: 3-4 cP
• SAE 10W oil: 65-75 cP
• Honey: 10,000 cP
• Ketchup: 50,000-70,000 cP
• Peanut butter: >250,000 cP

Tips for Accurate Conversion

• Consider temperature effects on viscosity
• Note that viscosity changes with shear rate for non-Newtonian fluids
• Use appropriate precision for your application
• Be aware of industry standards

Technical Notes

1. Temperature Dependence:

   • Viscosity typically decreases with temperature
   • Always specify reference temperature
   • Use standard conditions (20°C) unless noted

2. Types of Viscosity:

   • Dynamic (absolute) viscosity: Pa⋅s, P, cP
   • Kinematic viscosity: m²/s, St (Stokes)
   • Conversion requires fluid density

3. Industry Standards:

   • Oil industry often uses cP
   • Chemical industry uses Pa⋅s
   • Always check relevant standards