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SAE J300 Motor Oil Viscosity Classification and Properties

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SAE J300 Motor Oil Grades Engine Viscosity Classification and Properties

Table 1 - SAE J300 (1999) Motor Oil Grades – Low-Temperature Specifications

Grade Designation	Dynamic Viscosity (mPa • s)
	Cranking Maximum	Temperature (°C)	Pumping Maximum	Temperature (°C)
0W	6,200	–35	60,000	–40
5W	6,600	–30	60,000	–35
10W	7,000	–25	60,000	–30
15W	7,000	–20	60,000	–25
20W	9,500	–15	60,000	–20
25W	13,000	–10	60,000	–15

Table 2 SAE J300 (1999) Motor Oil Grades – High-Temperature Specifications

Grade Designation	Kinematic Viscosity (cSt) Low Shear Rate at 100 °C	Dynamic Viscosity (mPa • s) High Shear Rate at 150 °C
20	5.6 – 9.3	>2.6
30	9.3 – 12.5	>2.9
40	12.5 – 16.3	>2.9*
40	12.5 – 16.3	>3.7**
50	16.3 – 21.9	>3.7
60	21.9 – 26.1	>3.7

* 0W-40, 5W-40, 10W-40
** 15W-40, 20W-40, 25W-40

Oil Viscosity Temperature Chart (Click on Image to Enlarge)

Oil Viscosity-Temperature Chart SI Units (Click on Image to Enlarge)

Related:

• Gears Lubrication , Oil API Specification Review
• Synthetic Oils Review
• Oil Viscosity Review
• Oil Classifications Diesel and Gasoline Engines
• Kinematic Viscosity Table Chart of Liquids
• Naphthenic Oils Review

Source for above two tables: Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), SAE J300 Engine Oil Viscosity Classification, December 1999.