Centipoise is a widely used practical unit of dynamic viscosity in industry; water at 20 °C has a viscosity of about 1 centipoise.
Centipoise is one thousandth of the CGS poise unit and became common because it produces more readable numbers for everyday liquids like motor oil and paint.
Measurement system: CGS system (non-SI, subunit). SI equivalent: 1 cP = 0.001 Pa·s.
Centipoise facts
- Unit name
- Centipoise
- Symbol
- cP
- Category
- Viscosity
- Measurement system
- CGS system (non-SI, subunit)
- SI equivalent
- 1 cP = 0.001 Pa·s
- Common uses
- Motor and lubricant viscosity grades, paint and coatings, food science
Definition of the centipoise
Centipoise is a widely used practical unit of dynamic viscosity in industry; water at 20 °C has a viscosity of about 1 centipoise.
Measurement system and SI relationship
CGS system (non-SI, subunit)
SI equivalent: 1 cP = 0.001 Pa·s
History of the centipoise
Centipoise is one thousandth of the CGS poise unit and became common because it produces more readable numbers for everyday liquids like motor oil and paint.
Where is the centipoise used?
Motor and lubricant viscosity grades, paint and coatings, food science