Dynamic Viscosity
Dynamic viscosity measures the force needed to make one layer of fluid move past another. Its SI unit is the pascal-second, written as Pa·s. Centipoise is also widely used in laboratories and industry.
Understanding viscosity
What Is Viscosity?
Viscosity describes how strongly a fluid resists deformation or movement. It is commonly described as the thickness or internal friction of a liquid or gas.
Kinematic Viscosity
Kinematic viscosity measures a fluid’s resistance to flow relative to its density. Its SI unit is square metres per second, while centistokes are frequently used for lubricants and petroleum fluids.
Simple process
How to Use the Viscosity Converter
The converter performs each calculation automatically when you enter a value or change a unit.
Select the viscosity type
Choose dynamic viscosity or kinematic viscosity depending on the measurement you need to convert.
Enter your value
Type the known viscosity value and select its current unit from the first dropdown menu.
Choose the output unit
Select the desired destination unit. The accurate converted result will appear immediately.
Common measurements
Popular Viscosity Unit Relationships
These standard relationships are useful when checking or understanding viscosity calculations.
| Viscosity Type | Unit Relationship | Equivalent Value |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic | 1 Pa·s | 1,000 cP |
| Dynamic | 1 P | 100 cP |
| Dynamic | 1 cP | 1 mPa·s |
| Kinematic | 1 St | 100 cSt |
| Kinematic | 1 cSt | 1 mm²/s |
| Kinematic | 1 m²/s | 1,000,000 cSt |
Important factor
Why Temperature Matters
Viscosity is temperature-dependent. The same fluid may have a noticeably different viscosity value at another temperature, so technical results should always include the measurement temperature when available.
Liquids
Most liquids become less viscous as their temperature increases. Heated oil, for example, normally flows more easily than cold oil.
Gases
Gas viscosity generally increases as temperature rises because faster-moving molecules transfer momentum more strongly between gas layers.
Helpful answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Viscosity is a measurement of a fluid’s resistance to flowing. Honey has a higher viscosity than water because it flows more slowly under similar conditions.
Dynamic viscosity represents internal resistance to flow. Kinematic viscosity accounts for both dynamic viscosity and fluid density. It can be calculated by dividing dynamic viscosity by density.
Yes. One centipoise is exactly equal to one millipascal-second. Therefore, a viscosity of 25 cP is also 25 mPa·s.
Yes. One centistoke equals one square millimetre per second. These two units can be used interchangeably for kinematic viscosity.
Kinematic viscosity is calculated by dividing dynamic viscosity by fluid density. The units must be compatible before performing the calculation.
Yes. Liquid viscosity normally decreases as temperature rises, while gas viscosity generally increases. Always compare viscosity values at the same temperature.
Technical note:
This converter changes units only. It does not automatically
convert dynamic viscosity to kinematic viscosity because
that calculation also requires the fluid density.