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Centipoise Conversion Table
This comprehensive centipoise conversion table shows how various units relate to centipoise, a common unit for measuring dynamic viscosity. Use this reference for quick conversions between centipoise and other viscosity units.
| Conversion | To Unit | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Centipoise to poise | Poise | 0.01 |
| Centipoise to pascal-seconds | Pascal-seconds | 0.001 |
| Centipoise to stokes | Stokes | Requires density |
| Centipoise to centistokes | Centistokes | Requires density |
This centipoise conversion reference table provides accurate conversion factors for dynamic viscosity units. Note that converting to kinematic viscosity units (Stokes, Centistokes) requires knowledge of the fluid's density.
What is Centipoise?
Centipoise (cP) is a unit of dynamic viscosity in the CGS (centimeter-gram-second) system of units. It is equal to one hundredth of a poise (0.01 P). The unit is named after Jean Léonard Marie Poiseuille, a French physician and physiologist. Our centipoise conversion tool helps you easily convert between centipoise and other viscosity units.
Centipoise is commonly used in engineering and industrial applications, especially in the United States. Water has a viscosity of approximately 1 centipoise at 20°C (68°F). Our centipoise converter helps you easily convert between centipoise and other viscosity units like poise and pascal-seconds.
What is the SI of Centipoise?
Centipoise is not an SI unit, but it is commonly used in practice. The SI unit for dynamic viscosity is the pascal-second (Pa·s). The relationship between these units is:
- 1 centipoise (cP) = 0.001 pascal-seconds (Pa·s)
- 1 pascal-second (Pa·s) = 1000 centipoise (cP)
- 1 centipoise (cP) = 0.01 poise (P)
- 1 poise (P) = 100 centipoise (cP)
For viscosity conversions, our centipoise conversion tool provides accurate conversions between these related units.
What is Centipoise Used For?
Centipoise is used in various applications where measuring fluid viscosity is important. As a practical unit for dynamic viscosity, centipoise is essential for viscosity conversions:
Industrial Fluids
Measuring the viscosity of lubricants, oils, and other industrial fluids. For example, motor oil might have a viscosity of 100-200 centipoise at operating temperature.
Food & Beverage
Quality control in food processing, measuring the consistency of products like syrups, sauces, and beverages. For example, maple syrup has a viscosity of about 150-200 centipoise.
Pharmaceuticals
Formulating medications and ensuring proper flow properties of liquid medicines and syrups. Many pharmaceutical syrups have viscosities in the range of 50-500 centipoise.
Research & Development
Laboratory measurements of fluid properties in materials science and chemical engineering research. Accurate centipoise measurements are crucial for product development.
Etymology and History
The term "centipoise" comes from the CGS unit "poise," named after Jean Léonard Marie Poiseuille (1797-1869), a French physicist who studied fluid flow through pipes. The prefix "centi-" indicates one-hundredth, making a centipoise 1/100 of a poise.
The poise was adopted in the CGS system in the late 19th century. With the development of the SI system, the pascal-second became the official SI unit for viscosity, but centipoise remains widely used in practical applications. Our centipoise conversion tool bridges these different measurement systems for engineers and scientists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of centipoise?
Centipoise (cP) is a unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one hundredth of a poise (0.01 P). It measures a fluid's resistance to flow. One centipoise is equivalent to 0.001 pascal-seconds (Pa·s) in SI units. Water has a viscosity of approximately 1 centipoise at room temperature, making it a useful reference point.
How do I convert centipoise to other viscosity units?
You can use our centipoise conversion calculator above, or apply these conversion factors: To convert to poise, divide by 100; to convert to pascal-seconds, divide by 1000. For example, 500 centipoise equals 5 poise or 0.5 pascal-seconds. For converting to kinematic viscosity units (stokes), you need to know the fluid's density.
What is the difference between centipoise and centistokes?
Centipoise measures dynamic viscosity (resistance to flow under force), while centistokes measures kinematic viscosity (resistance to flow under gravity). The relationship is: kinematic viscosity = dynamic viscosity ÷ density. This means converting between them requires knowing the fluid's density, which varies with temperature and composition.
Why is centipoise still used when there's an SI unit?
Centipoise remains popular in industrial applications because it provides convenient numerical values for common fluids. Water's viscosity (~1 cP) is easier to remember and work with than 0.001 Pa·s. Industries like food processing, pharmaceuticals, and lubrication have long used centipoise, creating an established standard that our converter helps maintain.
How accurate is centipoise measurement?
Modern viscometers can measure viscosity with high precision, often within ±0.1% to ±1% depending on the instrument and conditions. Temperature significantly affects viscosity, so accurate measurements require temperature control. Our centipoise conversion tool maintains this precision when converting between units, essential for quality control applications.
What are typical viscosity values in centipoise?
Viscosity varies widely among fluids: water (~1 cP), olive oil (~80 cP), honey (~10,000 cP), and motor oil (100-250 cP depending on grade). Gases have much lower viscosities (air ~0.018 cP). Our converter handles this wide range, from very low to very high viscosity values accurately.
Can I convert centipoise to centistokes directly?
No, you cannot directly convert centipoise to centistokes without knowing the fluid's density. The relationship is: centistokes = centipoise ÷ (density in g/cm³). For water with a density of 1 g/cm³, centipoise and centistokes values are numerically equal, but this is not true for other fluids.
Is your centipoise conversion tool free to use?
Yes, our centipoise conversion calculator is completely free with no registration required. Simply enter your value, select your target unit, and get instant, accurate results. We believe precise viscosity conversion should be accessible to everyone, from students learning fluid mechanics to professionals working on industrial applications.