Viscosity Converter
Convert dynamic viscosity between Pa-s, cP, and Poise.
What it does
Dynamic viscosity resists flow in oils, syrups, and paints. Labs quote pascal seconds, shops quote centipoise, older texts quote Poise. All name the same property on different scales.
The tool above converts among Pa-s, mPa-s, cP, and P. The defaults convert 100 cP to Pa-s, so the page opens showing 0.1 Pa-s. Pick new units to update the result and the full list.
The links are exact by definition: 1 Pa-s = 1000 mPa-s, 1 cP = 1 mPa-s = 0.001 Pa-s, 1 P = 0.1 Pa-s. Water near 1 cP, light oil tens of cP, honey thousands.
Keep dynamic apart from kinematic. Kinematic in centistokes divides by density and needs a density step. This tool is dynamic only.
This page shows the factors, one full hand checked example at 100 cP, a reference table, and practice checks that run through the tool.
How to use
- Type the viscosity number, for example 100.
- Pick the starting unit in From unit.
- Pick the target unit in To unit.
- Read the main result with unit name.
- Scan the note line for all four units.
- Check cP versus cSt: this tool is cP dynamic only.
Formula
- Pa-s
- Base SI unit.
- cP
- Centipoise. 1 cP = 0.001 Pa-s.
- P
- Poise. 1 P = 0.1 Pa-s.
mPa-s equals cP exactly, so the two read the same numbers. Temperature must be stated with viscosity since values shift fast with heat.
Worked example
Example: 100 cP to Pa-s
Oil tapes 100 centipoise. Express in pascal seconds.
- Write 100, from cP, to Pa-s.
- Factor: 1 cP = 0.001 Pa-s.
- Multiply: 100 x 0.001 = 0.1 Pa-s.
- Check: 0.1 x 1000 = 100 cP back.
- Siblings: 100 mPa-s and 1 P.
- Note temp with the result for lab use.
Reference table
| Unit | Pa-s per unit | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pa-s | 1 | Base |
| mPa-s | 0.001 | Lab small |
| cP | 0.001 | Same as mPa-s |
| P | 0.1 | Older texts |
Limits
- Dynamic only. Kinematic cSt needs density.
- No temperature model. State temp with results.
- Newtonian assumed. Shear thinning fluids need curves.
- Four decimals suit shops. Research may need more.
Common mistakes
- Mixing cP with cSt without density.
- Reading Poise as centipoise, off by 100 times.
- Comparing values at different temps.
- Adding dynamic Pa-s into kinematic math.
- Ignoring shear rate for non Newtonian fluids.
Try it yourself
Quick checks. Answers sit tucked under each question.
1 P in Pa-s?
1 x 0.1 = 0.1 Pa-s.
50 mPa-s in cP?
50 cP, since 1 to 1.
Questions
cP to Pa-s?
Divide by 1000. Here 100 cP is 0.1 Pa-s.
cP or mPa-s?
Same numbers. 1 cP equals 1 mPa-s.
Poise?
0.1 Pa-s each. 10 P is 1 Pa-s.
Water?
Near 1 cP at room temp.
Kinematic?
Not here. Divide dynamic by density for kinematic.
Temp?
Always state it. Viscosity falls fast with heat.