Specific Gravity And Viscosity Of Liquids
Specific gravity is the heaviness of a substance compared to that of water, and it is expressed without units. In the metric system specific gravity is the same as in the English system. If something is 7.85 times as heavy as an equal volume of water (such as iron is) its specific gravity is 7.85. Its density is 7.85 grams per cubic centimeter, or 7.85 kilograms per liter, or 7.85 metric tons per cubic meter. In relationship to liquids, the term specific gravity is used to describe the weight or density of a liquid compared to an equal volume of fresh water at 4°C (39° F). If the liquid you are comparing will float on this water it has a specific gravity of less than one (1). If it sinks into the fresh water the specific gravity is more than one. As you have already guessed fresh water at 4°C (39° F) has been assigned a value of one (1).
It is important that you do not confuse specific gravity with viscosity which is a measurement of a fluids resistance to pouring, though there is often what is perceived to be an obvious relationship. Thick liquids are said to have a high viscosity and thin liquids a low viscosity. Like specific gravity, viscosity can be altered by a change in temperature, but unlike specific gravity it can also be altered by agitation. The really important thing to keep in mind is that there is no correlation between viscosity and specific gravity. We measure specific gravity with a hydrometer. It consist of a glass cylinder with a rubber bulb on top, and a float positioned inside the glass tube. The float is calibrated to float on fresh water so if the fluid you are testing has a higher specific gravity, the float will raise in the liquid and at a lower specific gravity it will sink lower in the liquid. This is the same instrument that we use to tell if your automobile battery is fully charged. Another version will determine the concentration of anti-freeze in an automobile radiator. You can observe the little balls floating in the tube.
In our table below, we have given various liquids' characteristics with the temperature modified to one of more of a real world value. As a rule of thumb, multiply the specific gravity of a liquid by 8.34 to find the weight of a gallon of that liquid.
You may also be interested in the Specific Gravity Of Liquids Table
Specific Gravity Of Metals Table
Specific Gravity Of General Materials Table
Specific
Gravity and Viscosity of Liquids
Liquid
Boiling
point
at
atm
press
Specific
gravity
Viscosity
Temp
Based
on water
= 1 at 60ºF
Temp
centistokes
SSU
ºF
ºC
ºF
ºC
Automatic
crankcase oils SAE 10WSAE 10W
SAE 20W
SAE 20
SAE 30
SAE 40
SAE 50
60
15.6
.88-.94
0
-17.8
1295-max
6M-max
60
15.6
.88-.94
0
-17.8
1295-2590
6M-12M
60
15.6
.88-.94
0
-17.8
2590-10350
12M-48M
60
15.6
.88-.94
210
98.9
5.7-9.6
45-58
60
15.6
.88-.94
210
98.9
9.6-12.9
58-70
60
15.6
.88-.94
210
98.9
12.9-16.8
70-85
60
15.6
.88-.94
210
98.9
16.8-22.7
85-110
Automotive
gear oils SAE 75WSAE 80W
SAE 85W
SAE 90W
SAE 140
SAE150
60
15.6
.88-.94
210
98.9
4.2 min
40 min
60
15.6
.88-.94
210
98.9
7.0 min
49 min
60
15.6
.88-.94
210
98.9
11.0 min
63 min
60
15.6
.88-.94
210
98.9
14-25
74-120
60
15.6
.88-.94
210
98.9
25-43
120-200
60
15.6
.88-.94
210
98.9
43 min
200 min
Beer
60
15.6
1.01
68
20
1.8
32(est)
Benzene (Benzol) C6 H6
60
0
15.6
0.899
0.885
32
66
0
20
1.00
0.744
31
Bone oil
60
15.6
0.918
130
212
54.4
100
47.5
11.6
220
65
Boric acid, sat. H3 BO3
46.4
59
8
15
1.014
1.025
Brine see sodium
choride and clacium chloride
Bromine
68
32
20
0
2.9
68
20.
0.34
Butane-n
60
15.6
0.584
-50
30
-1.1
0.52
0.35
Butyric acid n
60
20
0.959
68
32
20
0
1.61
2.3cp
31.6
Calcium
chloride 5%25%
60
18.3
1.040
65
18.3
1.156
60
15.6
1.23
60
15.6
4.0
39
Carbolic acid (phenol)
60
18.3
1.08
65
194
18.3
90
11.83
1.26cp
65
Carbon tetrachoride
CCl4
170ºF
76.7ºC
68
20
1.594
68
100
20
37.8
0.612
0.53
Carbon disulphide CS2
115ºF
46.2ºC
32
68
0
20
1.293
1.263
32
68
0
20
0.33
0.298
Castor oil
68
104
20
40
0.96
0.95
100
130
37.8
54.4
259-325
98-130
1200-1500
450-600
China wood oil
60
15.6
0.943
69
100
20.6
37.8
308.5
125.5
1425
580
Chloroform
142ºF
61.2ºC
68
140
20
60
1.489
1.413
68
140
20
60
0.38
0.35
Cocoanut oil
60
15.6
0.925
100
130
37.8
54.4
29.8-31.6
14.7-15.7
140-148
76-80
Cod oil
60
15.6
0.928
100
130
37.8
54.4
32.1
19.4
150
95
Corn oil
60
15.6
0.924
130
212
54.4
100
28.7
8.6
135
54
Corn
starch solutions 22 Baume
24 Baume
25 Baume
60
15.6
1.18
70
100
21.1
37.8
32.1
27.5
150
130
60
15.6
1.20
70
100
21.1
37.8
129.8
95.2
600
440
60
15.6
1.21
70
100
21.1
37.8
303
173.2
1400
800
Cotton seed oil
60
15.6
.88-.93
100
130
37.8
54.4
37.9
20.6
176
100
Creosote
60
15.6
1.04-1.10
60
130
15.6
54.4
Crude oil
48º. API40º API
35.6 API
32.6 API
Salt Creek
60
130
15.6
54.4
0.79
0.76
60
130
15.6
54.4
3.8
1.6
39
31.8
60
130
15.6
54.4
0.825
0.805
60
130
15.6
54.4
9.7
3.5
55.7
38
60
130
15.6
154
0.847
0.824
60
130
15.6
54.4
17.8
4.9
88.4
42.3
60
130
15.6
154
0.862
0.84
60
130
15.6
54.4
23.2
7.1
110
46.8
60
130
15.6
54.4
0.843
0.82
60
130
15.6
54.4
77
6.1
45.6
Decane-n
343ºF
173ºC
60
20
0.73
0
100
17.8
37.8
2.36
1.001
34
31
Diethylene glycol
60
15.6
1.12
70
21.1
32
149.7
Diethyl ether
94.4ºF
68
20
0.714
68
20
0.32
Diesel
fuel oils 2030
40
60
60
15.6
.82-1.08
100
130
37.8
54.4
2-6
1.-3.97
32.6-45.5
-39
60
15.6
.82-1.08
100
130
37.8
54.4
6-11.75
3.97-6.78
45.5-65
39-48
60
15.6
.82-1.08
100
130
37.8
54.4
29.8 max
13.1 max
140 max
70 max
60
15.6
.82-1.08
122
160
50
71.1
86.6 max
35.2 max
400 max
165 max
theocetate
COOC2 H3
Dowtherm
171ºF
77.2ºC
494.3º
15
20
25ºC
15
20
25ºC
0.907
0.90
1.056
59
68
77
15
20
25
0.4
0.49
Ethyl bromide
C2 H5 Br
101ºF
77.2ºC
59
15
1.45
68
20
0.27
Ethylene bromide
269ºF
131.7ºC
68
20
2.18
68
20
0.787
Ethylene choride
183ºF
837ºC
68
20
1.246
68
20
0.668
Ethylene glycol
60
15.6
1.125
70
21.1
17.8
88.4
Formic
acid
10%50%
80%
Conc.
68
20
1.025
68
20
1.04
31
68
20
1.121
68
20
1.2
31.5
68
20
1.186
68
20
1.4
31.7
60
15.6
1.221
68
77
20
25
1.48
1.57cp
31.7
Freon
-11-12
-21
70
21.1
1.49
70
21.1
0.21
70
21.1
1.33
70
21.1
0.27
70
21.1
1.37
70
21.1
1.45
31.7
Furfurol
161.7ºC
68
20
1.159
68
77
20
25
1.45
1.49cp
31.7
Fuel oils
12
3
5A
5B
6
60
15.6
.82-1.08
70
100
21.1
37.8
2.39-4.28
-2.69
34-40
32-35
60
15.6
.82-1.08
70
100
21.1
37.8
3.0-7.4
2.11-4.28
36-50
33-40
60
15.6
.82-1.08
70
100
21.1
37.8
2.69-5.84
2.06-3.97
35-45
32.8-39
60
15.6
.82-1.08
70
100
21.1
37.8
7.4-26.4
4.91-13.7
50-125
42-72
60
15.6
.82-1.08
70
100
21.1
37.8
26.4-
13.6-67.1
125-
72-310
60
15.6
.82-1.08
122
160
50
71.1
97.4-660
37.5-172
450-3M
175-780
Gas oils
60
15.6
0.89
70
100
21.1
37.8
13.9
7.4
73
50
Gasolines
ab
c
60
15.6
0.74
60
100
15.6
37.8
0.88
0.71
60
15.6
0.72
60
100
15.6
37.8
0.64
60
15.6
0.68
60
100
15.6
37.8
0.46
0.40
Glycerine
100%
554ºF
68
20
1.260
68.6
100
20.3
37.8
648
176
2950
813
50% water
68
20
1.13
68
140
20
60
5.29
1.85cp
43
Glucose
60
15.6
1.35-1.44
100
150
37.8
65.6
7.7M-22M
880-2420
35M-100M
4M-11M
Heptane-n
209.2ºF
98.4ºC
60
15.6
0.688
0
100
-17.8
37.8
0.928
0.511
Hexane-n
155.7ºF
68.7ºC
60
15.6
0.664
0
100
-17.8
37.8
0.683
0.401
Honey
100
37.8
73.6
349
Industrial lubricants Turbine oils
685 SSU at 100ºF420 SSU
315 SSU
215 SSU
150 SSU
60
200
15.6
93.3
647
14.5
3000
77
60
200
15.6
93.3
367
11
1700
63
60
200
15.6
93.3
259
8
1200
52
60
200
15.6
93.3
151
7.3
700
48
60
200
15.6
93.3
99
6
460
45.5
Machine lubricants
#8#10
#20
#30
.88-.94
100
130
37.8
54.4
23-34
13-18
112-160
70-90
.88-.94
100
130
37.8
54.4
34-72
18-25
160-235
90-120
.88-.94
100
130
37.8
54.4
72-83
25-39
235-385
120-185
.88-.94
100
130
37.8
54.4
75-119
39-55
350-550
185-255
Cutting oils
#1#2
100
130
37.8
54.4
30-40
17-23
140-190
86-110
100
130
37.8
54.4
40-46
23-26
190-220
110-125
Ink, printers
60
15.6
1.0-1.4
100
130
37.8
54.4
550-2200
238-660
2500-10M
1100-3M
Insulating oil
70
100
21.1
37.8
24.1 max
11.75 max
115 max
65 max
Kerosene
60
15.6
.78-.82
68
20
2.71
35
Jet Fuel (av)
325ºF
60
15.6
.62-.88
-30.
-34.4
7.9
52
Lard
60
15.6
0.96
100
130
37.8
54.4
62.1
34.3
287
160
Lard oil
60
15.6
.91-.93
100
130
37.8
54.4
41-47.5
23.4-27.1
190-220
112-128
Linseed oil
60
15.6
.92-.94
100
130
37.8
54.4
30.5
18.94
143
93
Mercury
675.1ºF
356.9ºC
60
15.6
13.57
70
100
21.1
37.8
0.118
0.11
Methyl acetate
135ºF
57.2ºC
68
20
0.93
68
104
20
40
0.44
0.32cp
Methyl iodide
108ºF
42.6ºC
68
20
2.28
68
104
20
40
0.213
0.42cp
Menhadden oil
60
15.6
0.93
100
130
37.8
54.4
29.8
18.2
140
90
Milk
60
15.6
1.02-1.05
68
20
1.13
31.5
Molasses
A, firstB, second
C, blackstrap
60
15.6
1.40-1.46
100
130
37.8
54.4
281-5070
151-1760
1300-23500
700-8160
60
15.6
1.43-1.48
100
130
37.8
54.4
1410-13.2M
660-3.3M
6535-61180
3058-15294
60
15.6
1.46-1.49
100
130
37.8
54.4
2630-55M
1320-16.5M
12190-255M
6120-76.5M
Naphthalene
424ºF
218ºC
68
20
1.145
176
212
80
100
0.9
0.78cp
Neatstool oil
60
15.6
0.917
100
130
37.8
54.4
49.7
27.5
230
130
Nitrobenzene
412ºF
210.9ºC
68
59
20
15
1.203
1.205
68
20
1.67
31.8
Nonane-n
302ºF
150.7ºC
60
68
15.6
20
0.7218
0.718
0
100
-17.8
37.8
1.728
0.807
32
Octane-n
258ºF
125.6ºC
60
15.6
0.7069
0
100
-17.8
37.8
1.266
0.645
31.7
Olive oil
570ºF
300ºC
60
15.6
.91-.92
100
130
37.8
54.4
43.2
24.1
200
Palms oil
60
15.6
0.924
100
130
37.8
54.4
47.8
26.4
Peanut oil
60
15.6
0.92
100
130
37.8
54.4
42
23.4
200
Pentane-n
60
0
15.6
0.650
0.631
0
80
17.8
26.7
0.508
0.342
Petrolatum
60
15.6
0.83
130
160
54.4
71.1
20.5
15
100
77
Petroleum ether
60
15.6
0.64
60
15.6
31(est)
1.1
Propionic acid
68
20
0.99
32
68
0
20
1.52cp
1.13
31.5
Propylene glycol
68
20
1.038
70
21.1
52
241
Quenching oil
(typical)
60
15.6
.86-.89
100-120
20.5-25
Rapeseed oil
68
20
0.92
100
130
37.8
54.4
54.1
31
250
145
Rosin oil
60
15.6
0.98
100
130
37.8
54.4
324.7
129.9
1500
600
Rosin (wood)
60
15.6
1.09 avg
100
200
37.8
93.3
216-11M
108-4400
1M-50M
500-20M
Sesame seed oil
60
15.6
0.923
100
130
37.8
54.4
39.6
23
184
110
Sodium chloride
5%
25%
39
3.9
1.037
68
20
1.097
31.1
39
60
3.9
15.6
1.196
1.19
60
15.6
2.4
34
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda)
20%30%
40%
60
15.6
1.22
65
18.3
4.0
39.4
60
15.6
1.33
65
18.3
10.0
58.1
60
15.6
1.43
65
18.3
110.1
Soya bean oil
60
15.6
.924-.928
100
130
37.8
5.4
35.4
19.64
165
96
Sperm oil
60
15.6
1.35-1.44
100
130
37.5
54.4
21-23
15.2
110
78
Sugar solutions
Corn syrup
86.4 Brix
84.4 Brix82.3 Brix
80.3 Brix
78.4 Brix
60
15.6
1.459
100
180
37.8
82.2
180Mcp
1750cp
60
15.6
1.445
100
180
37.8
82.2
48Mcp
800cp
60
15.6
1.431
100
180
37.8
82.2
17Mcp
380cp
60
15.6
1.418
100
180
37.8
82.2
6900cp
230cp
60
15.6
1.405
100
180
37.8
82.2
3200cp
160cp
Sugar solutions
Sucrose 60 Brix64 Brix
68 Brix
72 Brix
74 Brix
76 Brix
60
15.6
1.29
70
100
37.8
82.2
49.7
18.7
230
92
60
15.6
1.31
70
100
21.1
37.8
95.2
31.6
440
148
60
15.6
1.338
70
100
21.1
37.8
216.4
59.5
1000
275
60
15.6
1.36
70
100
21.1
37.8
595
138.6
2700
640
60
15.6
1.376
70
100
21.1
37.8
1210
238
5500
1100
60
15.6
1.39
70
100
21.1
37.8
2200
440
10000
2000
Sulphuric acid
100%
444.6ºC
68
20
1.839
68
140
20
60
14.56
7.2cp
76
95%
68
20
1.839
68
20
14.5
75
60%
68
20
1.50
68
20
4.4
41
20%
68
20
1.14
3M-8M
650-1400
Tar, coke oven
60
15.6
1.12+
70
100
21.1
37.8
600-1760
141-308
15M-300M
2M-20M
Tar, gas house
60
15.6
1.16-1.30
70
100
21.1
37.8
3300-66M
440-4400
2500
500
Tar, pine
60
15.6
1.06+
100
132
37.8
55.6
559
108.2
200-300
55-60
Tar, road-RT-2RT-4
RT-6
RT-8
RT-10
RT-12
60
15.6
1.07+
122
212
50
100
43.2-64.9
8.8-10.2
400-700
65-70
60
15.6
1.08+
122
212
50
100
86.6-154
11.6-14.3
1M-2M
85-125
60
15.6
1.09+
122
212
50
100
216-440
16.8-26.2
3M-8M
150-225
60
15.6
1.13+
122
212
50
100
660-1760
31.8-48.3
20M-60M
250-400
60
156
1.14+
122
212
50
100
4.4M-13.2M
53.7-86.6
114M-458M
500-800
60
15.6
1.15+
122
212
50
100
25M-75M
108-173
Toluene
231ºF
110.6ºC
68
20
0.866
68
140
20
60
0.68
0.38cp
185.7
Triethylene glycol
68
20
1.125
70
21.1
40
400-440
185-205
Turpentine
320ºF
60
15.6
.86-.87
100
130
37.8
54.4
86.5-95.2
39.9-44.3
1425
650
Varnish, spar
60
15.6
0.9
68
100
20
37.8
313
143
Water, distilled
60
15.6
1.00
68
20
1.0038
31
Water, fresh
60
15.6
1.0
60
130
15.6
54.4
1.13
0.55
31.5
Water, sea
60
15.6
1.03
1.15
31.5
Whale oil
60
15.6
0.925
100
130
37.8
54.4
35-39.6
19.9-23.4
163-184
97-112
Xylene-o
287ºF
142.7ºC
68
20
0.87
68
104
20
40
0.93
0.623cp
Updated: 6/7/11