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Convert dynamic viscosity from centipoise (cP) to pascal-seconds (Pa·s) with precision
Pa·s = cP ÷ 1,000
cP = Pa·s × 1,000
| Centipoise (cP) | Pascal-seconds (Pa·s) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 | 0.0001 |
| 1 | 0.001 |
| 10 | 0.01 |
| 50 | 0.05 |
| 100 | 0.1 |
| 500 | 0.5 |
| 1,000 | 1 |
| 2,000 | 2 |
| 5,000 | 5 |
| 10,000 | 10 |
| 50,000 | 50 |
| 100,000 | 100 |
The centipoise (cP) is a unit of dynamic viscosity in the CGS (centimeter-gram-second) system. It is one-hundredth of a poise and represents a fluid's resistance to flow. One centipoise equals the viscosity of water at 20°C (68°F), making it a practical reference point. The centipoise is widely used in industries such as petroleum, food processing, and pharmaceuticals because of its convenient scale for common fluids. Motor oils, paints, syrups, and many industrial fluids have viscosities measured in centipoise, typically ranging from 1 cP for water to thousands of cP for thick oils and honey.
The pascal-second (Pa·s) is the SI (International System of Units) unit of dynamic viscosity. It measures the internal friction of a fluid and its resistance to flow when subjected to shear stress. One pascal-second is equal to one newton-second per square meter (N·s/m²). This unit is preferred in scientific and engineering contexts because it aligns with the SI system. While 1 Pa·s may seem large for everyday fluids (water has a viscosity of 0.001 Pa·s), it provides a consistent basis for calculations in fluid dynamics, mechanical engineering, and materials science. The pascal-second is the standard unit for publishing viscosity data in technical literature.
Start with the dynamic viscosity measurement in centipoise (cP).
Divide the centipoise value by 1,000 to convert to pascal-seconds. The formula is: Pa·s = cP ÷ 1,000.
Perform the division to obtain the viscosity in pascal-seconds. For example: 100 cP ÷ 1,000 = 0.1 Pa·s.
Check that the pascal-seconds value is smaller than the centipoise value, as 1 Pa·s = 1,000 cP.
Motor oil with viscosity of 250 cP:
250 cP ÷ 1,000 = 0.25 Pa·s
Converting motor oil and hydraulic fluid viscosities for equipment specifications and performance optimization.
Measuring and controlling the viscosity of syrups, sauces, and beverages for quality control and manufacturing.
Ensuring proper viscosity of liquid medications, creams, and ointments for dosage accuracy and application.
Controlling paint viscosity for proper application, flow, and finish quality in industrial and consumer products.
Characterizing crude oil and refined products for processing, transportation, and quality specifications.
Converting between unit systems for international collaboration and publication in scientific journals.
| Fluid | Viscosity (cP) | Viscosity (Pa·s) |
|---|---|---|
| Water (20°C) | 1.0 | 0.001 |
| Blood (37°C) | 3-4 | 0.003-0.004 |
| Milk | 3 | 0.003 |
| SAE 10 Motor Oil | 65-90 | 0.065-0.09 |
| SAE 30 Motor Oil | 200-300 | 0.2-0.3 |
| SAE 50 Motor Oil | 400-600 | 0.4-0.6 |
| Olive Oil | 80-100 | 0.08-0.1 |
| Glycerin | 1,500 | 1.5 |
| Honey | 2,000-10,000 | 2-10 |
| Ketchup | 50,000-70,000 | 50-70 |
One centipoise equals 0.001 pascal-seconds. Conversely, one pascal-second equals 1,000 centipoise. This means that pascal-seconds represent a larger unit of viscosity measurement.
Centipoise is preferred in many industries because it provides convenient numerical values for common fluids. Water at room temperature has a viscosity of 1 cP, which is easier to work with than 0.001 Pa·s. However, pascal-seconds is the SI standard and required for scientific publications.
Dynamic viscosity (measured in cP or Pa·s) is the measure of a fluid's internal resistance to flow when a force is applied. It represents the ratio of shear stress to shear rate and is independent of density. Dynamic viscosity differs from kinematic viscosity, which accounts for the fluid's density.
For most liquids, viscosity decreases as temperature increases. This is why motor oil flows more easily when warm. The relationship is significant: a 10°C increase can reduce oil viscosity by 50% or more. This is why SAE viscosity grades specify testing temperatures.
SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) grades classify motor oil viscosity. Single-grade oils (like SAE 30) have one viscosity rating, while multi-grade oils (like SAE 10W-30) maintain performance across temperature ranges. The "W" stands for winter, indicating cold-temperature performance.
Yes, but you need to know the fluid's density. Kinematic viscosity (in centistokes or m²/s) equals dynamic viscosity divided by density. For example, water with 1 cP dynamic viscosity and 1 g/cm³ density has 1 cSt kinematic viscosity.
Common viscometers include rotational viscometers (measure torque resistance), capillary viscometers (measure flow time), and falling ball viscometers (measure ball descent rate). Each type suits different viscosity ranges and applications.