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Convert dynamic viscosity from centipoise (cP) to pascal-seconds (Pa·s) instantly. Free online viscosity unit converter with formula, tables, and worked examples for engineers, scientists, and students.
Conversion Formula
Pa·s = cP / 1,000
cP = Pa·s x 1,000
| Centipoise (cP) | Pascal-Seconds (Pa·s) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 | 0.0001 |
| 0.5 | 0.0005 |
| 1 | 0.001 |
| 2 | 0.002 |
| 5 | 0.005 |
| 10 | 0.01 |
| 25 | 0.025 |
| 50 | 0.05 |
| 80 | 0.08 |
| 100 | 0.1 |
| 250 | 0.25 |
| 500 | 0.5 |
| 1,000 | 1 |
| 2,500 | 2.5 |
| 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, which was named after the French physicist Jean Léonard Marie Poiseuille, a pioneer in the study of fluid flow. One centipoise corresponds to the viscosity of water at approximately 20 °C, making it a highly practical reference point. This is why water-thin fluids measure around 1 cP, light oils might be 50-100 cP, and thick substances like honey can reach several thousand centipoise. Industries such as petroleum, food processing, paint manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals routinely express viscosity in centipoise because the resulting numbers are convenient for everyday use.
The pascal-second (Pa·s) is the SI (International System of Units) unit for dynamic viscosity. One pascal-second equals one newton-second per square meter (N·s/m²), or equivalently one kilogram per meter per second (kg/(m·s)). Because the pascal-second is a relatively large unit, common fluids like water (0.001 Pa·s) and even motor oils (0.1-0.6 Pa·s) have values less than one. The pascal-second is the standard unit for viscosity data in scientific journals, engineering simulations (CFD), and international standards. It is also common to see millipascal-seconds (mPa·s) used, where 1 mPa·s is numerically identical to 1 cP.
The conversion between centipoise and pascal-seconds is straightforward: 1 cP = 0.001 Pa·s. This factor of 1,000 arises because 1 poise = 0.1 Pa·s and 1 centipoise = 0.01 poise. Therefore, 1 cP = 0.01 × 0.1 = 0.001 Pa·s. Understanding this relationship is essential for converting viscosity data between CGS and SI unit systems used across different industries and countries.
Pa·s = cP / 1,000
cP = Pa·s × 1,000
Water has a dynamic viscosity of approximately 1 cP at 20 °C.
SAE 30 motor oil has a viscosity of roughly 250 cP at 40 °C.
Thick honey can have a viscosity around 5,000 cP at room temperature.
Simply move the decimal point three places to the left when converting cP to Pa·s. For example, 1,500 cP becomes 1.500 Pa·s (move the decimal from after the 1,500 three places left). To convert back from Pa·s to cP, move the decimal three places to the right.
| Fluid | Viscosity (cP) | Viscosity (Pa·s) |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel fuel | 2–4 | 0.002–0.004 |
| Hydraulic oil (ISO 32) | 29–35 | 0.029–0.035 |
| Hydraulic oil (ISO 68) | 61–74 | 0.061–0.074 |
| SAE 5W-30 motor oil (100 °C) | 10–12 | 0.010–0.012 |
| SAE 10W-40 motor oil (100 °C) | 13–16 | 0.013–0.016 |
| Gear oil (SAE 80W-90) | 120–200 | 0.12–0.2 |
| Fluid | Viscosity (cP) | Viscosity (Pa·s) |
|---|---|---|
| Skim milk | 1.5 | 0.0015 |
| Whole milk | 2–3 | 0.002–0.003 |
| Cream (35% fat) | 10–15 | 0.01–0.015 |
| Maple syrup | 150–200 | 0.15–0.2 |
| Tomato paste | 5,000–10,000 | 5–10 |
| Mayonnaise | 5,000–20,000 | 5–20 |
| Centipoise (cP) | Pascal-Seconds (Pa·s) |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 0.00001 |
| 0.1 | 0.0001 |
| 1 | 0.001 |
| 10 | 0.01 |
| 100 | 0.1 |
| 1,000 | 1 |
| 10,000 | 10 |
| 100,000 | 100 |
| 1,000,000 | 1,000 |
Motor oils and hydraulic fluids are specified in both cP and Pa·s depending on the standard. Accurate conversion ensures equipment compatibility and prevents costly machinery failures.
Drug formulations require precise viscosity control. Lab instruments may report cP while international regulatory filings demand Pa·s, making reliable conversion essential.
SI units (Pa·s) are required for journal publications and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, while older literature often uses cP. Cross-referencing data demands accurate unit conversion.
Viscosity governs texture, pourability, and mouthfeel. Converting between cP and Pa·s helps ensure product consistency across international manufacturing sites that use different unit conventions.
The most common error is multiplying cP by 1,000 instead of dividing. Since Pa·s is the larger unit, the numerical value in Pa·s should always be smaller than in cP. If your Pa·s result is larger, you have the direction backwards.
Centipoise measures dynamic viscosity, while centistokes (cSt) measures kinematic viscosity. Converting cSt to Pa·s requires knowing the fluid density. Always check which type of viscosity your data represents before converting.
Viscosity is highly temperature-dependent. A motor oil at 40 °C may have a vastly different viscosity than at 100 °C. Always record and report the measurement temperature alongside your converted value to avoid misinterpretation.
Many modern viscometers display results in millipascal-seconds (mPa·s). If you see mPa·s, the number is identical to cP with no conversion needed. Only when converting to full Pa·s do you divide by 1,000.
Use water as a sanity check: water at 20 °C is approximately 1 cP = 0.001 Pa·s. If your conversion of another fluid produces a value that doesn't make sense relative to water, re-examine your calculation.
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 about 1 cP, which is easier to work with than 0.001 Pa·s. However, pascal-seconds is the SI standard and is required for scientific publications and international engineering standards.
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 the fluid’s density. Dynamic viscosity differs from kinematic viscosity, which accounts for a 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.
There is no numerical difference. One centipoise is exactly equal to one millipascal-second (1 cP = 1 mPa·s). They are simply different names from different unit systems (CGS vs. SI) for the same quantity. Many modern instruments display readings in mPa·s.
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical viscosity values with calibrated instruments and consult relevant engineering standards for safety-critical applications.