Poise

The poise (symbol P; IPA: /pwɑːz/) is the unit of dynamic viscosity in the centimetre gram second system of units. It is named after Jean Louis Marie Poiseuille.

1 P = 1 g·cm⁻¹·s⁻¹

Additional recommended knowledge

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Weighing the right way

Correct Test Weight Handling Guide: 12 Practical Tips

The analogous unit in the International System of Units is the pascal second (Pa·s):

1 Pa·s = 1 kg·m⁻¹·s⁻¹ = 10 P

The poise is often used with the metric prefix centi-. A centipoise is one millipascal-second (mPa·s) in SI units. (1 cP = 10^-2P = 10^-3 Pa·s) Centipoise is properly abbreviated cP, but the alternate abbreviations cps and cPs are also commonly seen.

Water has a viscosity of 0.0089 poise at 25 °C, or 1 centipoise at 20 °C.