Liquid Viscosity Lookup
Find viscosity values for pump selection and fluid handling. Values in mPa·s (= cP).
Viscosity Scale — What Does It Feel Like?
1
10
100
1,000
10,000
100,000+
mPa·s (= cP)
💧
Water
~1 mPa·s
Flows instantly
🥛
Milk
~3 mPa·s
Pours easily
🫒
Olive Oil
~80 mPa·s
Slow pour
🍯
Honey
~2,000 mPa·s
Thick, sticky
🧴
Toothpaste
~100,000 mPa·s
Won't flow alone
Viscosity Unit Converter
1 Pa·s = 1000 mPa·s = 10 Poise = 1000 cP
| Substance | Temp | Viscosity |
|---|---|---|
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Note: 1 mPa·s = 1 cP (centipoise). Viscosity varies with temperature — higher temps = lower viscosity. Values are approximate and may vary based on grade and composition.
Why Viscosity Matters
Viscosity is critical for selecting the right pump type and sizing. High-viscosity liquids require positive displacement pumps (gear, lobe, progressive cavity), while low-viscosity liquids work well with centrifugal pumps.
Pump Selection Guidelines
- < 100 mPa·s: Centrifugal pumps work well
- 100-1000 mPa·s: Consider gear or lobe pumps
- > 1000 mPa·s: Progressive cavity or peristaltic pumps recommended
- > 10000 mPa·s: Heated lines and specialized pumps needed