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Dynamic Viscosity Converter — 25+ Units | Pascal, Poise, Centipoise, Reyn | ASLI FORM

Dynamic Viscosity Converter

Convert between 25+ dynamic viscosity units including Pascal-second (Pa·s), Poise (P), Centipoise (cP), Reyn, and more with scientific precision.

Conversion Formula
1 Pascal-second (Pa·s) = 1000 Centipoise (cP)

Common Dynamic Viscosity Conversions

Quick reference table
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What is Dynamic Viscosity?

Dynamic viscosity (also called absolute viscosity) is a fundamental property of fluids that measures their internal resistance to flow when a shear force is applied. It quantifies the tangential force per unit area required to move one horizontal plane of fluid with respect to another plane at a unit velocity, maintaining a unit distance between them.

Mathematically, dynamic viscosity (μ) is defined by Newton's law of viscosity:

τ = μ × (du/dy)

Where τ is the shear stress, μ is the dynamic viscosity, and du/dy is the velocity gradient (rate of shear strain). The SI unit is Pascal-second (Pa·s), which is equivalent to kg/(m·s) or N·s/m².

  • SI Unit: Pascal-second (Pa·s) The standard unit in the International System of Units, equivalent to kg/(m·s).
  • CGS Unit: Poise (P) Commonly used in scientific literature. 1 Poise = 0.1 Pa·s. Centipoise (cP) is 1/100 of a Poise.
  • Imperial Unit: Reyn Used in lubrication engineering. 1 Reyn = 6894.76 Pa·s = 1 lbf·s/in².
  • Water Reference: ~1 cP at 20°C Water at room temperature has a dynamic viscosity of approximately 1 centipoise (0.001 Pa·s).

Dynamic Viscosity Units Explained

Our converter supports 25+ units across SI, CGS, Imperial, and specialized measurement systems used worldwide.

  • Pascal-second (Pa·s) SI base unit. 1 Pa·s = 1 N·s/m² = 1 kg/(m·s). Used in scientific and engineering calculations.
  • Millipascal-second (mPa·s) 1/1000 of a Pa·s. Commonly used for low-viscosity fluids like water and solvents.
  • Poise (P) CGS unit named after Jean Léonard Marie Poiseuille. 1 P = 0.1 Pa·s. Widely used in rheology.
  • Centipoise (cP) Most common industrial unit. 1 cP = 0.001 Pa·s = 1 mPa·s. Water at 20°C ≈ 1 cP.
  • Reyn Imperial unit named after Osborne Reynolds. 1 Reyn = 6894.76 Pa·s. Used in tribology and lubrication.
  • Pound per foot-second (lb/ft·s) Imperial unit. 1 lb/(ft·s) = 1.48816 Pa·s. Common in US engineering applications.
  • Kilogram-force second per square meter (kgf·s/m²) Metric gravitational unit. 1 kgf·s/m² = 9.80665 Pa·s. Used in some European engineering contexts.
  • Dyne-second per square centimeter (dyn·s/cm²) CGS unit equivalent to Poise. 1 dyn·s/cm² = 0.1 Pa·s = 1 P.

How to Use This Converter

Our dynamic viscosity converter is engineered for speed, precision, and ease of use. Follow these steps to get accurate conversions instantly.

  • Select Source Unit Choose the viscosity unit you want to convert from (Pa·s, cP, Poise, Reyn, etc.).
  • Select Target Unit Choose the unit you want to convert to from the second dropdown.
  • Enter Value Type your viscosity value — the result appears instantly as you type.
  • View Formula The exact conversion formula is displayed below for verification and learning.
  • Swap Units Click the swap button to instantly reverse the conversion direction.
  • Reference Table Use the common conversions table for quick reference values.

Applications of Dynamic Viscosity

Dynamic viscosity measurements are critical across numerous industries and scientific disciplines. Here are the key applications:

  • Lubrication Engineering Selecting proper lubricants for machinery based on viscosity at operating temperatures.
  • Petroleum Industry Characterizing crude oil and refined products for pipeline transport and processing.
  • Food & Beverage Quality control for sauces, syrups, oils, and beverages to ensure consistent texture.
  • Pharmaceuticals Formulating medications, creams, and injectables with precise viscosity requirements.
  • Chemical Processing Designing reactors, pumps, and piping systems for fluid handling.
  • Automotive Engine oil specifications (SAE grades) are based on viscosity measurements.
  • Paints & Coatings Ensuring proper application viscosity for spraying, brushing, or rolling.
  • Biomedical Research Studying blood viscosity, synovial fluid, and other biological fluids.

Why Professionals Choose ASLI FORM

Built with precision engineering and premium design, our converter meets the demands of scientists, engineers, and professionals.

  • Scientific Precision Results accurate to 10 significant digits using NIST-standard conversion factors.
  • Instant Results Real-time conversion as you type — no buttons to click, no waiting.
  • Works Offline All calculations run locally in your browser. Perfect for lab and field work.
  • Universal Compatibility From basic keypad phones to 4K displays — works on every device.
  • Zero Tracking No cookies, no analytics, no data collection. Your privacy is absolute.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Dynamic viscosity (μ) measures a fluid's internal resistance to flow under applied shear force. It is measured in Pascal-seconds (Pa·s) or Poise (P).

Kinematic viscosity (ν) is the ratio of dynamic viscosity to fluid density: ν = μ/ρ. It is measured in m²/s or Stokes (St).

The key difference: dynamic viscosity depends on the fluid's internal friction, while kinematic viscosity also accounts for the fluid's density. For example, honey and water may have different dynamic viscosities, but their kinematic viscosities differ even more due to density differences.
The SI unit of dynamic viscosity is the Pascal-second (Pa·s), which is equivalent to kg/(m·s) or N·s/m². One Pascal-second represents the viscosity of a fluid where a shear stress of one Pascal produces a velocity gradient of one reciprocal second. In practice, the millipascal-second (mPa·s) is more commonly used for low-viscosity fluids like water.
The relationship is: 1 Poise (P) = 0.1 Pascal-second (Pa·s), or equivalently, 1 Pa·s = 10 Poise.

The Centipoise (cP) is 1/100 of a Poise, so:
• 1 cP = 0.01 P = 0.001 Pa·s = 1 mPa·s
• Water at 20°C has a viscosity of approximately 1.002 cP
• Honey at room temperature has a viscosity of approximately 10,000 cP (10 Pa·s)
The Reyn is a unit of dynamic viscosity in the Imperial system, named after Osborne Reynolds, the pioneering fluid dynamicist. 1 Reyn = 6894.76 Pascal-seconds (Pa·s) = 1 lbf·s/in².

The Reyn is primarily used in:
• Lubrication engineering — bearing design and analysis
• Tribology • Aerospace engineering — some US-based applications

Despite its specialized use, the Reyn is largely being replaced by SI units in modern engineering practice.
To convert Centipoise (cP) to Pascal-second (Pa·s), use this simple formula:

Pa·s = cP × 0.001

Examples:
• 1 cP = 0.001 Pa·s (water at ~20°C)
• 100 cP = 0.1 Pa·s (light oil)
• 1000 cP = 1 Pa·s (heavy oil)
• 10,000 cP = 10 Pa·s (honey)

Conversely, to convert Pa·s to cP: cP = Pa·s × 1000
The dynamic viscosity of water varies with temperature:

• 0°C: 1.792 mPa·s (1.792 cP)
• 20°C: 1.002 mPa·s (1.002 cP) — room temperature reference
• 25°C: 0.890 mPa·s (0.890 cP)
• 50°C: 0.547 mPa·s (0.547 cP)
• 100°C: 0.282 mPa·s (0.282 cP)

Water's viscosity decreases significantly as temperature increases, which is why hot water flows more easily than cold water.
Temperature has a profound effect on dynamic viscosity, but the relationship differs between liquids and gases:

For liquids: Viscosity decreases as temperature increases. This is because higher temperatures give molecules more kinetic energy, reducing intermolecular forces. The relationship is often modeled by the Arrhenius equation or the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann equation.

For gases: Viscosity increases as temperature increases. This is because gas molecules move faster at higher temperatures, increasing momentum transfer between layers. The relationship follows Sutherland's law or the power law.

This opposite behavior is crucial in engineering applications like lubrication and aerodynamics.
Newton's law of viscosity states that the shear stress (τ) between adjacent fluid layers is proportional to the velocity gradient (du/dy) between them:

τ = μ × (du/dy)

Where:
• τ = shear stress (Pa or N/m²)
• μ = dynamic viscosity (Pa·s)
• du/dy = velocity gradient or rate of shear strain (s⁻¹)

Fluids that obey this law are called Newtonian fluids (water, air, most oils). Fluids that don't obey this law are called non-Newtonian fluids (ketchup, blood, paint, cornstarch suspension).
Newtonian fluids have a constant dynamic viscosity regardless of the applied shear stress. Examples include:
• Water, air, most gases
• Mineral oils, gasoline
• Alcohol, glycerin

Non-Newtonian fluids have viscosity that changes with applied shear stress or time:
• Shear-thinning (pseudoplastic): Viscosity decreases with shear (ketchup, paint, blood)
• Shear-thickening (dilatant): Viscosity increases with shear (cornstarch in water)
• Bingham plastic: Requires minimum stress to flow (toothpaste, mayonnaise)
• Thixotropic: Viscosity decreases over time under constant shear (yogurt)
• Rheopectic: Viscosity increases over time under constant shear (some lubricants)
Dynamic viscosity is measured using various instruments called viscometers or rheometers:

Common methods:
• Capillary viscometer (Ostwald, Ubbelohde) — measures flow time through a capillary
• Rotational viscometer (Brookfield) — measures torque on a rotating spindle
• Falling ball viscometer — measures time for a ball to fall through fluid
• Cone and plate viscometer — precise measurement for small samples
• Vibrational viscometer — measures damping of a vibrating element

Standard test methods:
• ASTM D445 — Kinematic viscosity of petroleum products
• ASTM D2196 — Rheological properties by rotational viscometer
• ISO 3104 — Kinematic viscosity of transparent and opaque liquids
Here are approximate dynamic viscosities at room temperature (20-25°C):

• Air: 0.018 mPa·s (0.018 cP)
• Water: 1.0 mPa·s (1.0 cP)
• Ethanol: 1.2 mPa·s (1.2 cP)
• Olive oil: 84 mPa·s (84 cP)
• SAE 10 motor oil: 80-120 mPa·s
• SAE 30 motor oil: 290-360 mPa·s
• Honey: 10,000 mPa·s (10 Pa·s)
• Peanut butter: 150,000-250,000 mPa·s
• Glass (at room temp): ~10¹⁹ Pa·s (effectively solid)

These values vary significantly with temperature and composition.
Yes. Our converter uses scientifically-verified conversion factors from NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) and BIPM (International Bureau of Weights and Measures). Results are accurate to 10 significant digits, which exceeds the precision needed for most engineering applications.

However, for critical applications (aerospace, pharmaceuticals, legal metrology), always verify results against official standards and consider:
• Temperature effects on viscosity
• Pressure effects (usually negligible for liquids)
• Non-Newtonian behavior
• Measurement uncertainty in your specific application
Absolutely. Our converter is designed with a mobile-first responsive approach and works perfectly on every device — from basic keypad phones to 4K desktop displays. The interface adapts intelligently: desktops get a sidebar, tablets get a collapsible sidebar, and mobile devices get optimized dropdowns. Touch interactions, scroll snapping, and momentum scrolling are all optimized for mobile. The converter also works offline after the initial page load.
There is no difference. "Absolute viscosity" and "dynamic viscosity" are two names for the same physical property. Both refer to the internal resistance of a fluid to flow when a shear force is applied, measured in Pa·s or Poise.

The term "absolute viscosity" is sometimes used to distinguish it from "kinematic viscosity" (which is dynamic viscosity divided by density). However, "dynamic viscosity" is the preferred modern term in scientific literature and standards (ISO, ASTM, SI).
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