Viscosity Converter
Convert between dynamic and kinematic viscosity units instantly. Supports cp, Pa·s, poise, lb/ft·s, lb/ft·hr, Stokes, cSt, SSU, and SSF.
Dynamic Viscosity
Enter a value in any field — all others update instantly.
Kinematic Viscosity
Kinematic = Dynamic / Density. Enter density to link both sections.
Saybolt Viscosity (Empirical)
Approximate conversions. SSU valid for ≥32 SSU. SSF valid for ≥25 SSF.
Temperature note: Viscosity is highly temperature-dependent. These conversions assume a single temperature. Always specify the temperature when reporting viscosity values. Typical petroleum convention: 100°F (37.8°C) or 210°F (98.9°C).
How conversions work
Dynamic viscosity base unit: 1 cp = 0.001 Pa·s = 0.01 P = 1 mPa·s
Imperial: 1 cp = 6.7197×10-4 lb/(ft·s) = 2.4191 lb/(ft·hr)
Kinematic: ν = μ/ρ. 1 cSt = 1 mm²/s = 10-6 m²/s = 0.01 St
SSU (approx): cSt = 0.226×SSU − 195/SSU (for SSU ≥ 32)
SSF (approx): cSt = 2.12×SSF − 60.9/SSF (for SSF ≥ 25)
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Book a free strategy call →Understanding Viscosity in Petroleum Engineering
Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. In petroleum engineering, viscosity governs everything from reservoir fluid characterization and pipeline hydraulics to drilling mud design and chemical injection rates. Dynamic (absolute) viscosity describes the internal friction of a fluid, while kinematic viscosity is the ratio of dynamic viscosity to density.
The centipoise (cp) is the most common unit in oilfield work. Water at 68°F has a viscosity of approximately 1 cp. Crude oils range from less than 1 cp (light condensates) to millions of cp (heavy oil and bitumen). Accurate viscosity data is critical for pressure drop calculations, pump sizing, and flow assurance modeling.
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