Kinematic Viscosity Converter
About Kinematic Viscosity
Kinematic viscosity is a measure of a fluid's internal resistance to flow under gravitational forces. It is the ratio of the dynamic viscosity to the density of the fluid.
The SI unit for kinematic viscosity is square meters per second (m²/s), but the more common unit is the stokes (St) or centistokes (cSt), where 1 St = 10⁻⁴ m²/s and 1 cSt = 1 mm²/s.
Key applications: Kinematic viscosity is crucial in fluid dynamics, lubrication engineering, and petroleum industries for characterizing how easily a fluid flows.
Your Complete Guide to Kinematic Viscosity Conversion
Understand, calculate, and convert kinematic viscosity units with our comprehensive guide and easy-to-use calculator
What is Kinematic Viscosity?
Kinematic viscosity is one of the most important properties of fluids in engineering and physics. It tells us how easily a fluid flows under the force of gravity. Think of it as a measure of a fluid's "thickness" or resistance to flow when gravity pulls on it.
Simple Analogy
Imagine pouring honey versus water. Honey has higher kinematic viscosity – it flows slowly. Water has lower kinematic viscosity – it flows quickly. This difference affects everything from engine oil performance to blood flow in our bodies.
The Science Behind Kinematic Viscosity
The Core Formula
Kinematic Viscosity (ν) = Dynamic Viscosity (μ) / Density (ρ)
Where:
• ν = Kinematic viscosity (m²/s)
• μ = Dynamic viscosity (Pa·s or N·s/m²)
• ρ = Density (kg/m³)
This relationship means kinematic viscosity combines two important fluid properties: how "sticky" the fluid is (dynamic viscosity) and how heavy it is (density).
Kinematic Viscosity Converter
Use our interactive calculator above to convert between different kinematic viscosity units
Understanding the Units
Kinematic viscosity has many different units used across various industries and countries. Our calculator supports all these units:
Stokes and Centistokes
Stokes (St): 1 St = 1 cm²/s = 10⁻⁴ m²/s
Centistokes (cSt): 1 cSt = 1 mm²/s = 10⁻⁶ m²/s
Most common units in engineering
Square Meters per Second
m²/s: The SI unit (International System)
mm²/s: Common in laboratory settings
cm²/s: Practical engineering applications
Industrial Units
ft²/s: Used in US engineering
in²/s: Some mechanical applications
Liter/cm second: Specialized industrial use
Conversion Formula Explained
Conversion Formula
Result = (Input Value × From Unit Factor) ÷ To Unit Factor
Example: Convert 100 cSt to m²/s:
100 × (10⁻⁶ m²/s per cSt) ÷ (1 m²/s per m²/s) = 0.0001 m²/s
Real-World Example
Engine Oil at 40°C: Typically 100-150 cSt
Water at 20°C: Approximately 1 cSt
Honey at 20°C: About 10,000 cSt
Converting engine oil viscosity: 100 cSt = 0.0001 m²/s = 100 mm²/s
Why Kinematic Viscosity Matters
In Engineering and Industry
- Lubrication: Determines how well oil protects moving parts
- Hydraulic Systems: Affects pump efficiency and pressure drops
- Petroleum Industry: Crucial for refining and transportation
- Paint Manufacturing: Controls application and drying properties
In Everyday Life
- Cooking Oil: Affects how it spreads in a pan
- Shampoo: Determines how easily it pours
- Blood Flow: Medical diagnostics use viscosity measurements
- Weather: Atmospheric viscosity affects air movement
Temperature Matters!
Kinematic viscosity changes with temperature. Most fluids become less viscous (flow more easily) when heated. Always specify temperature when reporting viscosity values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical Conversion Table
| Unit | Symbol | In m²/s | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centistokes | cSt | 10⁻⁶ | Lubricants, oils, most engineering |
| Stokes | St | 10⁻⁴ | Scientific literature |
| Square meter/second | m²/s | 1 | SI unit, physics calculations |
| Square foot/second | ft²/s | 0.0929 | US engineering |
| Square inch/second | in²/s | 0.000645 | Mechanical specifications |