SAE Viscosity Chart

To select the correct viscosity, use the temperature gauge below, choosing the oil type which best suits your working environment.

What is SAE Viscosity? (Resistance to flow)

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard oil classification system (SAE J300) categorizes oils according to their viscosity (via a numbering system such as SAE 10W, SAE 30, SAE 15W40, etc.).
Each of the viscosity grades or numbers has limits on the viscosity of the oil at given temperatures. For viscosity grades classified with a "W", the oil viscosity is defined by both viscosity at 100¼C and at maximum low temperature for cranking and pumping. In other words, the oils' viscosity has been tested to verify the oils' flow under specified low temperatures. Therefore the "W", in an oil viscosity grade is commonly understood to mean that the oil is suitable for winter service. For grades without the W, the oil viscosity is defined at 100¼C only. The attached chart indicates the ratings for the various oil viscosity grades.

Click here to download full fact sheet on API's Service Symbol and Certification Mark (200kb)