Viscosity Converter

Convert dynamic viscosity (Pa·s ↔ cP) and kinematic viscosity (mm²/s ↔ m²/s).

Inputs

1 mPa·s = 1 cP (centipoise). Dynamic viscosity μ describes resistance to flow.

Pascal-second (Pa·s)

Pa·s

Millipascal-second (mPa·s = cP)mPa·s (cP)

Dynamic (absolute) viscosity μ describes a fluid''s internal resistance to flow. SI unit: Pa·s (Pascal-second). The centipoise (cP = mPa·s) is common in chemical and food industries. Water at 20°C ≈ 1.002 mPa·s.
Kinematic viscosity ν = μ/ρ accounts for fluid density. SI unit: m²/s. The centistoke (cSt = mm²/s) is widely used — water at 20°C ≈ 1.004 mm²/s (cSt). 1 m²/s = 10⁶ mm²/s.
Industrial viscosity grades: ISO VG (Viscosity Grades, e.g. ISO VG 46 oil ≈ 46 mm²/s at 40°C) and SAE grades for engine/transmission oils. Hydraulic oils, lubricants and fuels are typically characterized in cSt.
Relationship: ν (mm²/s) = μ (mPa·s) / ρ (g/cm³). For example, water at 20°C: ν = 1.002/0.998 = 1.004 mm²/s. This conversion requires knowing the fluid density.

Convert dynamic viscosity (Pa·s ↔ cP) and kinematic viscosity (mm²/s ↔ m²/s).

1 mPa·s = 1 cP (centipoise). Dynamic viscosity μ describes resistance to flow.

Pascal-second (Pa·s)

Pa·s

Millipascal-second (mPa·s = cP)mPa·s (cP)

Dynamic (absolute) viscosity μ describes a fluid''s internal resistance to flow. SI unit: Pa·s (Pascal-second). The centipoise (cP = mPa·s) is common in chemical and food industries. Water at 20°C ≈ 1.002 mPa·s.
Kinematic viscosity ν = μ/ρ accounts for fluid density. SI unit: m²/s. The centistoke (cSt = mm²/s) is widely used — water at 20°C ≈ 1.004 mm²/s (cSt). 1 m²/s = 10⁶ mm²/s.
Industrial viscosity grades: ISO VG (Viscosity Grades, e.g. ISO VG 46 oil ≈ 46 mm²/s at 40°C) and SAE grades for engine/transmission oils. Hydraulic oils, lubricants and fuels are typically characterized in cSt.
Relationship: ν (mm²/s) = μ (mPa·s) / ρ (g/cm³). For example, water at 20°C: ν = 1.002/0.998 = 1.004 mm²/s. This conversion requires knowing the fluid density.