Convert fluid dynamic viscosity units including Centipoise (cP), Pascal-seconds (Pa·s), Poise (P), mPa·s, and lbf·s/ft².
10 Millipascal-second
Dynamic viscosity (often called absolute viscosity) measures a fluid's fundamental resistance to shear deformation or flow. When you pour honey compared to water, the honey resists movement because of its high molecular internal friction. In SI units, dynamic viscosity is measured in Pascal-seconds (Pa·s) or millipascal-seconds (mPa·s).
Water at 20°C: ~1 cP; Whole milk: ~2 cP; Human blood at 37°C: ~3 to 4 cP; Olive oil: ~80 cP; SAE 10W motor oil at 20°C: ~85 cP; SAE 30W motor oil: ~200 cP; Pancake syrup: ~2,500 cP; Liquid honey: ~10,000 cP; Peanut butter: ~250,000 cP.
Lubricating oils are engineered to maintain sufficient hydrodynamic film thickness across varying operating temperatures. Multi-grade motor oils (e.g. 5W-30) use polymer viscosity index improvers so they remain fluid in freezing cold winter starts (low cP) while resisting excessive thinning at 100°C engine operating temperatures.
1 centipoise (cP) is equal to exactly 0.001 Pascal-seconds (1 mPa·s or 10⁻³ Pa·s). 1,000 cP = 1 Pa·s.
Pure water at 20°C (68°F) has a dynamic viscosity of almost exactly 1.002 centipoise (1.002 mPa·s or ~0.001 Pa·s).
Divide the centipoise value by 100. For example, 500 cP ÷ 100 = 5 Poise.
Dynamic viscosity (measured in cP or Pa·s) is a fluid's internal resistance to flow under an applied shear force. Kinematic viscosity (measured in centistokes or mm²/s) is dynamic viscosity divided by fluid density, measuring flow under gravity.
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