Viscosity converter
Type a dynamic viscosity, choose the units, and see the result and every common unit. This tool converts dynamic (absolute) viscosity only; kinematic viscosity in cSt or m²/s needs the fluid density and is not covered here.
Runs in your browser: nothing you enter is sent anywhere.
How to use it
- Type a number. A dot or a comma works as the decimal separator.
- Choose the unit you have and the unit you need. The ⇄ button swaps them.
- The table shows the same viscosity in all common units at once.
Conversion factors
Every unit is converted through the pascal-second.
| Unit |
In Pa·s |
| 1 millipascal-second (mPa·s) |
0.001 |
| 1 centipoise (cP) |
0.001 |
| 1 poise (P, g/(cm·s)) |
0.1 |
| 1 lbf·s/ft² |
47.88025898 |
The imperial value is one pound-force (0.45359237 kg × 9.80665 m/s² = 4.4482216 N) times one second, divided by one square foot (0.09290304 m²).
Worked example
A syrup is listed at 2,500 cP. In SI that is 2,500 × 0.001 = 2.5 Pa·s, which is 25 poise. A motor-oil spec of 0.1 Pa·s equals 100 cP.
Tips
- Dynamic viscosity measures resistance to shear; kinematic viscosity (a different quantity) divides it by density.
- Always note the temperature: the same oil can differ by an order of magnitude between 20 °C and 100 °C.
Frequently asked questions
Is a centipoise the same as a millipascal-second?
Yes. 1 cP = 1 mPa·s = 0.001 Pa·s exactly, so the two numbers are always equal. SI documents use mPa·s; older data sheets use cP.
How many centipoise is 1 Pa·s?
1 Pa·s = 10 poise = 1,000 cP. One poise is 0.1 Pa·s and a centipoise is a hundredth of a poise.
What is the viscosity of water in cP?
Water at room temperature is about 1 cP (1 mPa·s), which is why the centipoise became a handy scale. Viscosity changes strongly with temperature, so always check the temperature of a quoted value.
Can I convert dynamic viscosity to cSt here?
No. Kinematic viscosity (cSt, mm²/s) equals dynamic viscosity divided by density, so you need the density of the fluid at the same temperature. This tool leaves that out rather than guessing a density.