Kinematic Viscosity Converter
Convert between different kinematic viscosity units including square meter per second, centistokes, stokes, and square foot per second.
Result
1 m²/s = 1000000 cSt
Understanding Kinematic Viscosity Units: Square Meter per Second to Centistokes to Stokes
Kinematic viscosity converters are essential tools for calculating flow properties, diffusion coefficients, momentum diffusivity, and fluid behavior in fluid mechanics, chemical engineering, and materials science. Whether you're working with square meters per second (m²/s), centistokes (cSt), stokes (St), square centimeters per second (cm²/s), square millimeters per second (mm²/s), square feet per second (ft²/s), square inches per second (in²/s), or any of twenty-four kinematic viscosity units, understanding kinematic viscosity conversions is crucial for engineers, scientists, and analysts in fluid dynamics, chemical processing, oil and gas, aerospace engineering, and process control industries.
Kinematic viscosity measurements quantify the ratio of dynamic viscosity to density, representing momentum diffusivity essential for flow calculations, Reynolds number determination, and process design. From low-viscosity fluids like water at 0.000001 m²/s (1 cSt) to high-viscosity fluids like heavy oils at 0.001 m²/s (1000 cSt), and from Newtonian fluids with constant viscosity to non-Newtonian fluids with variable viscosity, this comprehensive converter supports twenty-four kinematic viscosity units with instant, accurate results for all your flow properties, diffusion coefficient, and momentum diffusivity calculations across different measurement systems.
How to Convert Kinematic Viscosity Units: Formulas and Methods
Square Meter per Second to Centistokes and Stokes Conversions
Converting from m²/s to centistokes (cSt) multiplies by 1,000,000, since 1 stokes equals 0.0001 m²/s and 1 centistokes equals 0.000001 m²/s. For example, a kinematic viscosity of 0.000001 m²/s equals 1 cSt. Converting to stokes (St) multiplies by 10,000, since 1 stokes equals 0.0001 m²/s, making 0.000001 m²/s equal to 0.01 St. Converting to square centimeters per second (cm²/s) multiplies by 10,000, giving 1 m²/s equals 10,000 cm²/s. Converting to square millimeters per second (mm²/s) multiplies by 1,000,000, making 1 m²/s equal to 1,000,000 mm²/s for very small viscosity measurements.
Square Foot per Second and Imperial Unit Conversions
Converting from m²/s to square foot per second (ft²/s) multiplies by 10.764, since 1 square meter equals 10.764 square feet. For example, 1 m²/s equals 10.764 ft²/s. Converting to square foot per hour (ft²/h) multiplies by 38,750.4, since 1 hour equals 3600 seconds, making 1 m²/s equal to 38,750.4 ft²/h. Converting to square inch per second (in²/s) multiplies by 1550, since 1 square meter equals 1550 square inches, giving 1 m²/s equals 1550 in²/s for Imperial system measurements.
Stokes Prefix Conversions and CGS System
Converting between stokes prefixes uses standard SI prefix relationships: 1 St = 10 dSt = 100 cSt = 1000 mSt = 1,000,000 µSt. For large scales: 1 kSt = 1000 St, 1 MSt = 1,000,000 St. For example, 1 St equals 100 cSt, and 1 cSt equals 10 mSt. Converting from m²/s to stokes multiplies by 10,000, since 1 stokes equals 0.0001 m²/s. These conversions are essential for working with CGS system units commonly used in rheology and fluid mechanics.
Square Meter per Hour and Time-Based Conversions
Converting from m²/s to square meter per hour (m²/h) multiplies by 3600, since 1 hour equals 3600 seconds. For example, 1 m²/s equals 3600 m²/h. Converting from m²/h to m²/s divides by 3600, making 3600 m²/h equal to 1 m²/s. Time-based conversions are useful when working with slow processes or when comparing viscosity measurements at different time scales in process engineering applications.
Kinematic Viscosity Versus Dynamic Viscosity and Density Relationship
Kinematic viscosity (ν, m²/s) relates to dynamic viscosity (μ, Pa·s) and density (ρ, kg/m³): ν = μ/ρ. For example, water at 20°C has μ = 0.001 Pa·s and ρ = 1000 kg/m³, giving ν = 0.000001 m²/s = 1 cSt. Converting kinematic viscosity units helps engineers calculate flow properties, determine Reynolds numbers, and design fluid systems when working with different measurement systems and comparing international fluid property standards.
Kinematic Viscosity Conversion Reference Table
| m²/s | cSt | St | cm²/s | ft²/s | in²/s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.000001 | 1 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.0000108 | 0.00155 |
| 0.00001 | 10 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.000108 | 0.0155 |
| 0.0001 | 100 | 1 | 1 | 0.00108 | 0.155 |
| 0.001 | 1000 | 10 | 10 | 0.0108 | 1.55 |
| 0.01 | 10000 | 100 | 100 | 0.108 | 15.5 |
| 1 | 1000000 | 10000 | 10000 | 10.764 | 1550 |
Typical Kinematic Viscosity Values by Fluid
| Fluid | m²/s | cSt | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water (20°C) | 0.000001 | 1 | 20°C |
| Air (20°C) | 0.000015 | 15 | 20°C |
| Ethanol (20°C) | 0.0000015 | 1.5 | 20°C |
| Olive oil (20°C) | 0.000084 | 84 | 20°C |
| Honey (20°C) | 0.01 | 10000 | 20°C |
| Motor oil (SAE 30, 20°C) | 0.0005 | 500 | 20°C |
| Glycerin (20°C) | 0.00118 | 1180 | 20°C |
| Crude oil (typical) | 0.00001-0.0001 | 10-100 | 20°C |
Industry Applications and Use Cases
Chemical Engineering and Process Design
Chemical engineers use kinematic viscosity measurements in m²/s or cSt to calculate Reynolds numbers, predict flow regimes, and design pipelines and process equipment. Typical process kinematic viscosities range from 0.000001-0.001 m²/s (1-1000 cSt) for various fluids and temperatures. Converting between m²/s, cSt, St, and ft²/s helps engineers work with international equipment specifications and process design standards when designing fluid systems and predicting flow behavior.
Oil and Gas Industry
Petroleum engineers calculate kinematic viscosities in cSt or m²/s to characterize crude oil, design transportation systems, and optimize extraction processes. Typical oil kinematic viscosities range from 10-1000 cSt (0.00001-0.001 m²/s) at reservoir conditions. Converting between kinematic viscosity units helps engineers compare international oil property standards, design pipelines, and optimize production when working with different measurement systems and equipment specifications.
Aerospace Engineering and Fluid Dynamics
Aerospace engineers use kinematic viscosity measurements in m²/s or cSt to calculate Reynolds numbers, predict aerodynamic behavior, and design aircraft and spacecraft systems. Typical aerospace kinematic viscosities range from 0.000001-0.0001 m²/s (1-100 cSt) for air and fuel systems. Converting between kinematic viscosity units helps engineers design systems, predict performance, and compare international aerospace standards when working with different measurement systems.
Food Processing and Beverage Industry
Food engineers use kinematic viscosity measurements in cSt or m²/s to design mixing processes, optimize flow properties, and ensure product quality in food manufacturing. Typical food kinematic viscosities range from 1-1000 cSt (0.000001-0.001 m²/s) for various food products. Converting between kinematic viscosity units helps engineers design processes, select equipment, and compare international food processing standards when working with different measurement systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kinematic viscosity and how is it different from dynamic viscosity?
Kinematic viscosity (ν, m²/s) measures the ratio of dynamic viscosity to density: ν = μ/ρ, representing momentum diffusivity. Dynamic viscosity (μ, Pa·s) measures resistance to flow. Kinematic viscosity is used for flow-based calculations and Reynolds numbers, while dynamic viscosity is used for force-based calculations. Converting kinematic viscosity units helps engineers work with different viscosity measurements when designing fluid systems.
How do I convert m²/s to centistokes (cSt)?
Multiply m²/s by 1,000,000 to get centistokes (cSt), since 1 stokes equals 0.0001 m²/s and 1 centistokes equals 0.000001 m²/s. For example, 0.000001 m²/s equals 1 cSt, and 0.001 m²/s equals 1000 cSt. This conversion is exact and commonly used in chemical engineering and fluid mechanics.
How to convert centistokes to stokes?
Divide centistokes (cSt) by 100 to get stokes (St), since 1 centistokes equals 0.01 stokes. For example, 100 cSt equals 1 St, and 1 cSt equals 0.01 St. This conversion is exact and commonly used in rheology and fluid mechanics applications.
How to convert m²/s to ft²/s?
Multiply m²/s by 10.764 to get square foot per second (ft²/s), since 1 square meter equals 10.764 square feet. For example, 1 m²/s equals 10.764 ft²/s, and 0.001 m²/s equals 0.010764 ft²/s. This conversion is commonly used in Imperial system measurements.
What's the relationship between kinematic viscosity and Reynolds number?
Reynolds number (Re) relates fluid velocity, characteristic length, and kinematic viscosity: Re = VD/ν, where V is velocity, D is characteristic length, and ν is kinematic viscosity. Higher kinematic viscosity decreases Reynolds number, affecting flow regime (laminar vs. turbulent). Converting kinematic viscosity units helps engineers calculate Reynolds numbers, predict flow behavior, and design fluid systems when working with different measurement systems.
How to convert cm²/s to m²/s?
Divide cm²/s by 10,000 to get m²/s, since 1 square meter equals 10,000 square centimeters. For example, 10,000 cm²/s equals 1 m²/s, and 1 cm²/s equals 0.0001 m²/s. This conversion is exact and commonly used in SI unit system viscosity measurements.
How is kinematic viscosity used in flow calculations?
Kinematic viscosity affects flow behavior, Reynolds numbers, and flow regime determination. Engineers use kinematic viscosity in m²/s or cSt to calculate Reynolds numbers, predict laminar or turbulent flow, and design fluid systems. Converting kinematic viscosity units helps engineers work with international flow calculation standards and design efficient fluid systems.
How to convert stokes to m²/s?
Divide stokes (St) by 10,000 to get m²/s, since 1 stokes equals 0.0001 m²/s. For example, 10,000 St equals 1 m²/s, and 1 St equals 0.0001 m²/s. Stokes are commonly used in CGS system viscosity measurements and rheology applications.
How accurate are kinematic viscosity conversions?
Our converter uses exact mathematical relationships with 10-decimal precision. m²/s to cSt: multiply by 1,000,000 exactly. m²/s to St: multiply by 10,000 exactly. m²/s to ft²/s: multiply by 10.764 exactly. These conversions ensure precision for scientific and engineering applications in fluid mechanics and chemical engineering.
How is kinematic viscosity measured in practice?
Kinematic viscosity is measured using viscometers like capillary viscometers, rotational viscometers, or falling ball viscometers. Measurements are performed at controlled temperatures, and kinematic viscosity is calculated from dynamic viscosity and density measurements. Converting kinematic viscosity units helps engineers interpret measurements and compare data across different viscometer types and international standards.
How does kinematic viscosity relate to temperature?
Kinematic viscosity decreases with increasing temperature for most liquids (except some complex fluids), following exponential relationships similar to dynamic viscosity but also affected by density changes. For gases, kinematic viscosity increases with temperature. Converting kinematic viscosity units helps engineers account for temperature effects and compare viscosity measurements at different conditions when designing processes.
How to convert between different stokes prefixes?
Use standard SI prefix conversions: 1 St = 10 dSt = 100 cSt = 1000 mSt = 1,000,000 µSt. For large scales: 1 kSt = 1000 St, 1 MSt = 1,000,000 St. Converting helps engineers work with different viscosity scales from very low viscosities (µSt) to very high viscosities (ESt) in various fluid mechanics and chemical engineering applications.
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