Crude Oil Density and Viscosity Reference

Kinematic Viscosity for Various Crude Oil Types

Key Definitions

Kinematic Viscosity (ν): Measured in mm²/s (or cSt - centistokes)
Dynamic Viscosity (μ): Measured in mPa·s (or cP - centipoise)
Relationship: μ (mPa·s) = ν (mm²/s) × ρ (g/cm³)
API Gravity: API° = (141.5 / SG@60°F) - 131.5
Temperature Effect: Viscosity decreases as temperature increases

LightAPI > 31°

MediumAPI 22-31°

HeavyAPI 10-22°

Extra HeavyAPI < 10°

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Showing 16 of 16 crude oils

Crude Oil Name	Type	API Gravity (°API)	Density @ 15°C (g/cm³)	@ 20°C / 68°F	@ 40°C / 104°F	@ 60°C / 140°F
Crude Oil Name	Type	API Gravity (°API)	Density @ 15°C (g/cm³)	ν (mm²/s)	ν (mm²/s)	ν (mm²/s)
Light Arabian (Saudi Arabia)	Light	33.4	0.858	7.20	4.50	3.10
Medium Arabian (Saudi Arabia)	Medium	29.0	0.878	12.50	7.20	4.80
Heavy Arabian (Saudi Arabia)	Heavy	27.4	0.890	18.50	10.20	6.50
West Texas Intermediate (WTI)	Light	39.6	0.827	5.10	3.30	2.30
Brent Blend (North Sea)	Light	38.3	0.835	5.80	3.70	2.60
Dubai Crude	Medium	31.0	0.871	10.50	6.30	4.20
Urals (Russia)	Medium	32.0	0.865	9.20	5.60	3.80
Maya (Mexico)	Heavy	22.0	0.920	65.00	32.00	18.50
Cold Lake Blend (Canada)	Heavy	21.0	0.928	85.00	40.00	22.00
Athabasca Bitumen (Canada)	Extra Heavy	8.0	1.015	450,000	25,000	5000.0
Bachaquero (Venezuela)	Heavy	16.8	0.956	250.0	95.00	45.00
Tia Juana Light (Venezuela)	Medium	31.8	0.866	8.80	5.40	3.70
Nigerian Light (Bonny Light)	Light	35.4	0.848	6.50	4.10	2.90
Iranian Light	Light	33.8	0.856	7.00	4.40	3.00
Iranian Heavy	Heavy	30.2	0.875	11.80	6.90	4.60
Kuwait Export	Medium	31.4	0.869	9.80	5.90	4.00

Viscosity Reference Notes

Kinematic vs Dynamic

Kinematic viscosity (ν) measures a fluid's resistance to flow under gravity. Dynamic viscosity (μ) measures the force required to move one layer of fluid over another. They are related by density: μ = ν × ρ.

Temperature Dependence

Viscosity decreases exponentially with temperature for most crude oils. Heavier crudes show a more dramatic viscosity reduction with increasing temperature. Athabasca bitumen drops from 450,000 cSt at 20°C to 5,000 cSt at 60°C.

Dispersion Calculator Input

The ISO 3171 Dispersion Calculator uses kinematic viscosity (cSt / mm²/s) as input. Select the value at the operating temperature closest to your process conditions. For intermediate temperatures, linear interpolation is generally acceptable for light and medium crudes.