Convert Viscosity Units Online Convert between pascal-seconds, centipoise, poise, stokes, and ft²/s viscosity units.

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Viscosity Converter

Convert between pascal-seconds, centipoise, poise, stokes, and ft²/s viscosity units.

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What Is Viscosity Converter?

A viscosity converter translates between units measuring a fluid's resistance to flow. Dynamic viscosity (Pa·s, cP, P) describes the internal friction of a flowing fluid. The pascal-second (Pa·s) is the SI unit; the centipoise (cP) is the most commonly used unit in practice because water has a viscosity of approximately 1 cP at 20°C. The poise (P) is the CGS unit. Stokes (St) and ft²/s measure kinematic viscosity (dynamic viscosity divided by density). Viscosity is critical in fluid mechanics, lubrication engineering, food science, paint formulation, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Why Use Viscosity Converter?

Covers both SI (Pa·s) and CGS (cP, P) dynamic viscosity units.
Includes kinematic viscosity units (stokes, ft²/s).
Essential for fluid mechanics and materials engineering.
Results update in real time as you type.

Common Use Cases

Fluid Mechanics

Convert viscosity values between SI and CGS systems for calculations.

Lubrication

Compare oil viscosity specifications across different standards.

Food Science

Specify and compare the viscosity of sauces, creams, and other products.

Paint & Coatings

Match viscosity measurements to international quality control standards.

Technical Guide

Viscosity measures a fluid's resistance to shear or flow.

Dynamic viscosity (force per area per velocity gradient):
• 1 Pa·s = 1 kg/(m·s)
• 1 poise (P) = 0.1 Pa·s
• 1 centipoise (cP) = 0.001 Pa·s = 1 mPa·s

Kinematic viscosity (dynamic viscosity / density):
• 1 stokes (St) = 1 cm²/s = 10⁻⁴ m²/s
• 1 ft²/s = 0.0929 m²/s

Common viscosities at 20°C:
• Water: ~1 cP (1 mPa·s)
• Blood: ~3-4 cP
• Olive oil: ~80 cP
• Honey: ~2,000-10,000 cP
• Peanut butter: ~250,000 cP

Note: Stokes and Pa·s measure different quantities (kinematic vs dynamic) and cannot be directly converted without knowing the fluid density. This converter provides factor-based conversion for convenience.

Tips & Best Practices

1
Water at 20°C has a viscosity of about 1 cP (centipoise) — a convenient reference.
2
1 Pa·s = 1,000 cP = 10 poise.
3
Motor oil viscosity: SAE 10W-30 is about 10-100 cP depending on temperature.
4
Kinematic viscosity (stokes) = dynamic viscosity (poise) / density (g/cm³).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q How do I convert centipoise to pascal-seconds?

Divide by 1,000. For example, 1,000 cP = 1 Pa·s.

Q What is the viscosity of water?

About 1 centipoise (1 mPa·s) at 20°C. It decreases with temperature.

Q What is the difference between dynamic and kinematic viscosity?

Dynamic viscosity (Pa·s, cP) measures internal friction directly. Kinematic viscosity (St, m²/s) = dynamic viscosity / density. Kinematic viscosity accounts for the fluid's density.

Q What are stokes?

Stokes (St) is the CGS unit of kinematic viscosity. 1 St = 1 cm²/s. More commonly used as centistokes (cSt): 1 cSt = 1 mm²/s.

About This Tool

Viscosity Converter is a free online tool by FreeToolkit.ai. All processing happens directly in your browser — your data never leaves your device. No registration or installation required.