Viscosity Unit Conversion

Enter a value in any unit below to instantly convert between various viscosity units.

Millipascal second

mPa·s

Pascal second

Pa·s

Centipoise

cP

Poise

P

Kilogram per meter second

kg/(m·s)

Gram per centimeter second

g/(cm·s)

Newton second per square meter

N·s/m²

Kilogram-force second per square centimeter

kgf·s/cm²

Pound-force second per square foot

lbf·s/ft²

Pound-force second per square inch

lbf·s/in²

Unit Conversion Relations

1 millipascal second = 1 centipoise = 0.01 poise
1 mPa·s = 1 cP = 0.01 P

FAQ

What is viscosity and why is it important?
Viscosity is a fluid's resistance to flow or deformation. It measures how "thick" or "thin" a fluid is. High viscosity fluids like honey flow slowly, while low viscosity fluids like water flow easily. It's crucial in fluid mechanics, lubrication, and industrial processes.
What's the difference between dynamic and kinematic viscosity?
Dynamic viscosity (measured in Pa·s or cP) measures a fluid's resistance to flow under applied stress. Kinematic viscosity (measured in m²/s or cSt) is dynamic viscosity divided by density. Dynamic viscosity is force-related, while kinematic viscosity is motion-related.
Why are there so many different viscosity units?
Different industries use different units based on measurement methods and historical conventions. Pa·s is the SI standard, cP/P are CGS units common in industry, while specialized units like kgf·s/cm² are used in specific applications. Each unit suits different viscosity ranges and measurement techniques.
What are typical viscosity values for common fluids?
Water: ~1 cP (1 mPa·s), motor oil: 50-500 cP, honey: 10,000 cP, glycerin: 1,500 cP, air: 0.018 cP. These reference values help understand viscosity scales and provide context for measurements and conversions.
How does temperature affect viscosity measurements?
Temperature significantly affects viscosity. For liquids, viscosity typically decreases as temperature increases (honey becomes thinner when heated). For gases, viscosity increases with temperature. Always specify temperature when reporting viscosity values, as it's crucial for accurate measurements.
How accurate are viscosity unit conversions?
The conversions use precise conversion factors based on fundamental physical relationships. For example, 1 Pa·s = exactly 1000 cP by definition. The calculator maintains precision suitable for engineering calculations, quality control, and fluid analysis applications.