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Dynamic & Kinematic Viscosity Converter

Convert between dynamic viscosity (Pa·s, Poise, Centipoise cP) and kinematic viscosity (m²/s, Stokes, Centistokes cSt, SSU) with fluid density coupling.

Fluid & Thermodynamic Laboratory Engine

4 Units Available

Sci Notation

Decimals:

SOURCE VALUE:Pa·s

CONVERTED RESULT:

1,000

Fluid Density Coupling:

ρ =kg/m³(Kinematic Viscosity ν = μ / ρ = 100.00 cSt)

Reference Presets:

Exact Mathematical Derivation:

1. Base SI value: 100 Pa·s × 1 = 100

2. Target unit factor: 1 P = 0.1 SI base

3. Result: 100 / 0.1 = 1,000 P

Complete Conversion TableClick copy on any row

Unit Name	Symbol	Converted Value
Pascal-second	Pa·s	100
Poise (CGS)	P	1,000
Centipoise (mPa·s)	cP	100,000
Pound / (foot·second)	lb/(ft·s)	67.1969

What is Dynamic vs Kinematic Viscosity?

Dynamic (absolute) viscosity ($\mu$) measures internal fluid friction resistance to shear flow ($F/A = \mu \cdot dv/dy$), with SI units $\text{Pa}\cdot\text{s}$ or Centipoise ($1\,\text{cP} = 1\,\text{mPa}\cdot\text{s}$). Water at 20°C has a dynamic viscosity of approximately 1.0 cP.

Kinematic viscosity ($\nu = \mu / \rho$) is the ratio of dynamic viscosity to density, measuring flow under gravity. The cgs unit is the Stokes ($1\,\text{cSt} = 1\,\text{mm}^2/\text{s}$). Lubricating motor oils are classified by their cSt ratings at 40°C and 100°C.

Formula & Step-by-Step Calculation

\nu = \frac{\mu}{\rho}, \quad 1\,\text{Pa}\cdot\text{s} = 10\,\text{Poise} = 1,000\,\text{cP}, \quad 1\,\text{cSt} = 10^{-6}\,\text{m}^2/\text{s}

Interconversion formulas between shear viscosity and momentum diffusivity.

Worked Step-by-Step Examples

Example 1

Convert 50 cP of fluid with density 800 kg/m³ to kinematic viscosity in cSt.

Solution: 50 cP @ 800 kg/m³ = 62.5 cSt

• Convert cP to Pa·s: 50 cP = 0.050 Pa·s.

• Divide by density in kg/m³: 0.050 / 800 = 0.0000625 m²/s.

• Convert m²/s to cSt (multiply by 10⁶): 0.0000625 × 10⁶ = 62.5 cSt.

Common Real-World & Academic Use Cases

✓ Automotive and industrial lubricant grading (SAE viscosity classifications)
✓ Chemical polymer melt flow indexing and rheology characterization
✓ Piping Reynolds number determination for laminar vs turbulent flow regime analysis
✓ Food engineering fluid pumping (syrups, sauces, pastes)

How to Use the Dynamic & Kinematic Viscosity Converter

Input Viscosity

Type viscosity number.

Select Type

Toggle between Dynamic Viscosity (cP, Pa·s) and Kinematic Viscosity (cSt, m²/s).

Adjust Density Coupling

Set fluid density to automatically cross-convert between dynamic and kinematic domains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the viscosity of water?

Pure water at 20°C (68°F) has a dynamic viscosity of almost exactly 1.002 Centipoise (0.001002 Pa·s) and kinematic viscosity of 1.004 cSt.

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