Quick
Rounded to whole numbers
Rough estimates and quick calculations
Standard
Two decimal places
Most everyday conversions
Precise
Four decimal places
Scientific and engineering work
Current Precision
Standard mode active
Popular Dynamic Viscosity Unit Conversions
1 cP = 0.001 Pa·s
1 P = 0.1 Pa·s
1 Pa·s = 1000 cP
1 mPa·s = 1 cP
1 lb/(ft·s) = 1.488 Pa·s
1 slug/(ft·s) = 47.88 Pa·s
Complete Dynamic Viscosity Conversion Guide
Understanding Dynamic Viscosity
Dynamic viscosity (also called absolute viscosity) is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow when an external force is applied. It represents the internal friction between fluid layers moving at different velocities. Dynamic viscosity is fundamental in fluid mechanics, engineering design, and quality control across numerous industries.
Dynamic vs Kinematic Viscosity
Dynamic Viscosity (μ): Measures internal friction - force required to move fluid layers
Kinematic Viscosity (ν): Dynamic viscosity divided by fluid density (ν = μ/ρ)
Relationship: Kinematic viscosity = Dynamic viscosity ÷ Density
Unit Systems
SI Units
Pascal second (Pa·s) is the standard SI unit for dynamic viscosity
CGS Units
Poise (P) and centipoise (cP) are commonly used in industry
Imperial Units
Pound-force second per square foot (lbf·s/ft²) for engineering applications
Essential Conversion Factors
Professional Applications
Crude oil viscosity measurement, pipeline flow calculations, refinery process optimization, and lubricant specification development.
Paint and coating formulation, polymer processing, adhesive development, and quality control in chemical production.
Syrup and sauce consistency, pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetic product development, and biofluid analysis.
Engine oil specification, transmission fluid development, hydraulic system design, and fuel injection optimization.
Fluid mechanics research, material science studies, nanotechnology applications, and biomechanical fluid analysis.
Pump sizing calculations, heat exchanger design, mixing equipment specification, and pipeline pressure drop analysis.
Measurement Methods
Most common method using rotating spindles or cylinders to measure torque required to rotate in fluid.
Applications: Paints, oils, cosmetics
Range: 1 - 13,000,000 cP
Measures time for fluid to flow through calibrated capillary tube under gravity or pressure.
Applications: Low viscosity fluids, petroleum products
Range: 0.2 - 20,000 cP
Measures terminal velocity of sphere falling through fluid using Stokes' law.
Applications: Transparent fluids, quality control
Range: 0.3 - 1,000,000 cP
Uses vibrating element to measure fluid's resistance to oscillation.
Applications: Process monitoring, harsh environments
Range: 0.2 - 10,000 cP
Temperature Effects on Viscosity
Viscosity decreases with increasing temperature due to reduced intermolecular forces.
Example: Water at 20°C = 1.0 cP
Water at 100°C = 0.28 cP
Relationship: Exponential decrease
Viscosity increases with increasing temperature due to increased molecular motion.
Example: Air at 20°C = 0.018 cP
Air at 100°C = 0.022 cP
Relationship: Square root of temperature