Dynamic Viscosity Converter
Convert between 8 units of dynamic (absolute) viscosity — Pa·s, mPa·s, Poise, Centipoise, N·s/m², lb/(ft·s), lb/(ft·h), and kgf·s/m².
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About the Dynamic Viscosity Converter
Dynamic viscosity (also called absolute viscosity) quantifies a fluid's internal resistance to flow — essentially how "thick" it is. The SI unit is the Pascal-second (Pa·s). The centipoise (cP) is widely used in industry because water at 20 °C has a dynamic viscosity of almost exactly 1 cP. Viscosity decreases with rising temperature in liquids (oil becomes runnier when heated) but increases in gases.
Quick facts
- ›Water at 20 °C has a dynamic viscosity of approximately 1.002 mPa·s (1 centipoise)
- ›Honey is typically 2,000–10,000 cP depending on sugar content and temperature
- ›Engine oil viscosity grades (SAE 5W-30) describe viscosity at cold and hot temperatures
- ›Air at 20 °C has a dynamic viscosity of about 0.0182 mPa·s — 55× less than water
Common uses: Chemical engineering, lubrication, food processing, petroleum industry, polymer science