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Centistokes Conversion Table
This comprehensive centistokes conversion table shows how various units relate to centistokes, a common unit for kinematic viscosity. Use this reference for quick conversions between centistokes and other viscosity units.
| Conversion | To Unit | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Centistokes to stokes | Stokes | 0.01 |
| Centistokes to centipoise | Centipoise | 1 (at 20°C for water) |
| Centistokes to poise | Poise | 0.01 (at 20°C for water) |
| Centistokes to pascal-second | Pascal-second | 0.001 (at 20°C for water) |
This centistokes conversion reference table provides accurate conversion factors for kinematic viscosity units. Note that conversions between kinematic and dynamic viscosity (centistokes to centipoise, etc.) depend on fluid density and temperature.
What is Centistokes?
Centistokes (symbol: cSt) is a unit of kinematic viscosity in the CGS (centimeter-gram-second) system of units. It is equal to one hundredth of a stokes (1 cSt = 0.01 St). Kinematic viscosity measures a fluid's resistance to flow under gravity, defined as the ratio of dynamic viscosity to density.
The centistokes unit is commonly used in engineering and industrial applications, particularly in fluid mechanics and lubrication. Our centistokes conversion tool helps you easily convert between centistokes and other viscosity units. For example, 1 centistokes equals approximately 1 centipoise for water at 20°C.
What is the Relationship Between Centistokes and Other Units?
Centistokes is a derived unit for kinematic viscosity, related to other units as follows:
- Stokes (St) = 100 centistokes
- Centipoise (cP) ≈ 1 centistokes (for water at 20°C)
- Poise (P) = 100 centipoise = 100 centistokes (for water at 20°C)
- Pascal-second (Pa·s) = 10 poise = 1000 centistokes (for water at 20°C)
These relationships are temperature-dependent and assume a fluid density of approximately 1 g/cm³ (like water). Our viscosity conversion tools can handle these complex relationships accurately.
What are Centistokes Used For?
Centistokes are used in a wide range of applications across engineering, manufacturing, and scientific research. As a standard unit for kinematic viscosity, centistokes provide a practical measure for fluid flow characteristics:
Lubrication Engineering
Oil viscosity ratings for engines and machinery. For example, SAE 30 motor oil has a viscosity of approximately 100 centistokes at 100°F.
Chemical Processing
Monitoring fluid properties in pipelines and reactors. For example, measuring the viscosity of polymer solutions which might range from 1000 to 10000 centistokes.
Food Industry
Quality control for product consistency. For example, honey has a viscosity of approximately 10000 centistokes at room temperature.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Ensuring proper flow properties of liquid medications and syrups. For example, a typical cough syrup might have a viscosity of 50-100 centistokes.
Etymology and History
The term "stokes" is named after Sir George Gabriel Stokes, an Irish mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to fluid dynamics in the 19th century. The centistokes unit was derived as a more practical measure for common industrial applications.
In the CGS system, kinematic viscosity is measured in stokes (St), defined as 1 cm²/s. The centistokes (cSt), equal to 0.01 stokes or 1 mm²/s, became widely adopted in industry for its convenient scale. Modern viscosity measurements often use the SI unit m²/s, where 1 cSt = 1×10⁻⁶ m²/s. Our viscosity converter handles these various systems seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between centistokes and centipoise?
Centistokes (cSt) measures kinematic viscosity (resistance to flow under gravity), while centipoise (cP) measures dynamic viscosity (internal resistance to flow). They are related by the fluid's density: Kinematic Viscosity (cSt) = Dynamic Viscosity (cP) / Density (g/cm³). For water at 20°C (density ≈ 1 g/cm³), 1 cSt ≈ 1 cP.
How do I convert centistokes to other viscosity units?
Use our centistokes conversion calculators above, or apply these formulas: To stokes, divide by 100; to centipoise, multiply by fluid density (g/cm³). For detailed instructions, visit our cSt to cP converter. Our tool simplifies complex conversions involving fluid properties.
What are common viscosity values in centistokes?
Water at 20°C: ~1 cSt; Motor oil (SAE 30): ~100 cSt at 100°F; Honey: ~10000 cSt at room temperature; Air at 15°C: ~0.0015 cSt. These values vary with temperature and composition, so our viscosity converter is valuable for accurate calculations.
Why is centistokes used instead of stokes?
Centistokes provides a more practical scale for common industrial fluids. While stokes is the base CGS unit (1 St = 1 cm²/s), many commercial fluids have viscosities in the 1-1000 cSt range, making centistokes more convenient than fractions of stokes. This unit is standard in technical specifications and industry standards.
How does temperature affect centistokes measurements?
Temperature significantly affects viscosity. Most fluids become less viscous (lower cSt value) as temperature increases. For example, motor oil might measure 100 cSt at 100°F but only 10 cSt at 212°F. Our viscosity conversion tools help account for these temperature-dependent variations in fluid properties.
Can I convert centistokes to SI units?
Yes, centistokes can be converted to SI units: 1 cSt = 1×10⁻⁶ m²/s. This conversion is useful when working with international standards or scientific calculations that require SI units. Our viscosity converter automatically handles these unit conversions with high precision.
Is your centistokes conversion tool free to use?
Yes, our centistokes 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 measurement conversion should be accessible to everyone, from students learning fluid mechanics to professionals working on complex engineering projects.
How accurate are the viscosity conversions?
Our unit conversions are mathematically precise. However, note that conversions between kinematic and dynamic viscosity (cSt to cP) require accurate fluid density values. The relationship 1 cSt ≈ 1 cP only applies to water at specific conditions. For other fluids, you need to know the density for accurate conversions.