How It Works

ASTM D341 Walther Equation

The relationship between viscosity and temperature for petroleum oils follows the Walther equation standardized in ASTM D341:

log(log(v + 0.7)) = A - B * log(T)

  • v = Kinematic viscosity (cSt)
  • T = Temperature (Kelvin)
  • A, B = Oil-specific constants

Viscosity Index (VI)

VI indicates how much viscosity changes with temperature. Higher VI means more stable viscosity:

  • VI 95-100: Conventional mineral oils
  • VI 130-150: Multigrade hydraulic oils
  • VI 150+: Synthetic hydraulic fluids

Operating Ranges

Recommended viscosity ranges for hydraulic systems:

  • Optimum: 16-36 cSt (most efficient operation)
  • Acceptable: 10-100 cSt (normal operation)
  • Maximum: 750-1000 cSt (cold start limit)
  • Minimum: 10 cSt (hot running limit)

Unit Conversions

  • 1 cSt = 1 mm2/s
  • SUS = 4.6324*cSt + 1.0 + 200/cSt (for cSt > 2)
  • cP (centipoise) = cSt * density (g/mL)

Viscosity-Temperature Calculator

Calculate hydraulic oil viscosity at any temperature using ASTM D341. Select an ISO grade or enter custom viscosity data.

-20C 20C 50C 80C 120C

Viscosity at Operating Temperature

32.5 cSt
Operating Status --

Viscosity Conversions

Kinematic (cSt / mm2/s) --
Saybolt Universal (SUS) --
Dynamic (cP / mPa.s) --
Viscosity Index (VI) --
VI Classification --

Temperature Points

Temp (C)Visc (cSt)Status

Recommendations