Poise to Centipoise Converter
Enter the dynamic viscosity in poise below to convert it to centipoise.
Convert Poise to Centipoise
Enter a value in poise (P) to convert to centipoise (cP).
Poise to Centipoise Conversion Table
Table showing various poise measurements converted to centipoise. Click any preset value or arrow to load it into the converter.
How to Convert Poise to Centipoise
To convert poise to centipoise, multiply the dynamic viscosity by the following conversion ratio: 100 centipoise/poise.
Since one poise is equal to 100 centipoise, you can use this simple formula to convert:
The dynamic viscosity in centipoise is equal to the dynamic viscosity in poise multiplied by 100.
For example, here's how to convert 5 poise to centipoise using the formula above.
How Many Centipoise Are in a Poise?
There are 100 centipoise in a poise, which is why we use this value in the formula above.
Our poise to centipoise calculator automatically converts your dynamic viscosity measurements with full decimal and scientific precision across US customary, imperial, and SI metric standards.
Poise and centipoise are both units used to measure dynamic viscosity. Keep reading to learn more about each unit.
What Is a Poise?
A poise is a unit of dynamic viscosity equal to 1/10 of a pascal second (0.1 Pa·s). CGS dynamic viscosity unit equal to 0.1 Pa·s. [1]
The poise is classified as a metric and SI-compatible unit of dynamic viscosity. Poise can be abbreviated as P; for example, 1 poise can be written as 1 P.
When working with poise (P) in formulas or technical specifications, always verify whether your target system uses SI metric, US customary, or British imperial standards.
In practice, poise (P) are widely used across standard dynamic viscosity applications within SI metric workflows, engineering documentation, and technical data sheets.
What Is a Centipoise?
A centipoise is a unit of dynamic viscosity equal to 1/1,000 of a pascal second (0.001 Pa·s). Water at 20 °C has a viscosity of approximately 1 cP (0.001 Pa·s). [2]
The centipoise is classified as a metric and SI-compatible unit of dynamic viscosity. Centipoise can be abbreviated as cP; for example, 1 centipoise can be written as 1 cP.
In the metric system, "centi" is the standard SI prefix for hundredths, or 10⁻². This makes the centipoise (cP) a convenient decimal multiple of the pascal second (Pa·s).
In practice, centipoise (cP) are widely used across fine-tolerance laboratory, analytical, and micro-scale dynamic viscosity measurements within SI metric workflows, engineering documentation, and technical data sheets.
When converting dynamic viscosity between poise (P) and centipoise (cP), keep full floating-point precision (1 P = 100 cP; 1 cP = 0.01 P) during intermediate calculations and round only the final centipoise figure to match your instrument tolerance.
More Poise & Centipoise Conversions
Need to calculate in the opposite direction? Use our centipoise to poise calculator to switch your starting unit immediately. You can also explore related tools such as converting centipoise to poise, converting pascal seconds to centipoise, or converting poise to pascal seconds.
Convert from Poise
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- [1]NIST OWM StandardNIST OWM (SI Units — Length)·Viscosity - Dynamic Metrology Standard — Poise (P) to Centipoise (cP)
- [2]BIPM SpecificationBIPM (SI Base Unit: Metre (m))·Unit Specifications: Poise (P) & Centipoise (cP)
- [3]NIST HB 133 ReferenceNIST HB 133 (NIST Handbook 133 (2019 Ed.))·Conversion Factors & Mathematical Basis (P to cP)