An SAE viscosity chart shows the standardized thickness ratings for engine oils at different temperatures, helping you choose the right oil for your vehicle. The “W” number (e.g., 5W) indicates how the oil flows in cold temperatures, while the second number (e.g., 30) shows viscosity at operating temperature. Lower “W” numbers improve cold starts, and higher second numbers provide better protection in hot conditions. Common grades include 0W‑20, 5W‑30, 10W‑40, and 20W‑50, and the chart helps match oil performance to climate and engine requirements.

Part of our How to Read Engine Oil Viscosity Ratings series

If you’ve ever wondered how different oil viscosity grades compare or what temperature ranges each grade covers, you need a comprehensive SAE viscosity chart. This reference guide provides everything you need to understand the complete spectrum of motor oil grades, from ultra-thin 0W-16 to heavy-duty 20W-50 and beyond.

Whether you’re choosing oil for your daily driver, comparing grades for different climates, or trying to understand manufacturer recommendations, this chart serves as your go-to resource for all viscosity-related decisions.

Understanding the SAE Viscosity System

Before diving into the chart, it’s helpful to understand what you’re looking at. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) established this grading system to provide standardized viscosity classifications that everyone—from oil manufacturers to vehicle owners—can understand and use consistently.

Each viscosity grade represents specific performance characteristics measured through rigorous testing. The numbers aren’t arbitrary; they correspond to precise viscosity measurements at defined temperatures. This standardization ensures that 5W-30 oil from any manufacturer will have essentially the same flow characteristics as any other 5W-30, though quality and additive packages may vary.

For a detailed explanation of how to interpret these ratings, see our guide on how to read engine oil viscosity ratings.

Complete SAE Viscosity Grade Chart

Ultra-Low Viscosity Grades (Newest Vehicles)

0W-16

• Cold Cranking Temperature: -40°C (-40°F)
• Pumping Temperature: -45°C (-49°F)
• Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: 6.1-8.2 cSt
• Best For: Latest Honda, Toyota, and select other vehicles from 2018+
• Climate Range: All climates, excellent cold weather performance
• Fuel Economy: Maximum efficiency
• Common Applications: Newest fuel-efficient engines with extremely tight tolerances

0W-20

• Cold Cranking Temperature: -40°C (-40°F)
• Pumping Temperature: -45°C (-49°F)
• Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: 5.6-9.3 cSt
• Best For: Modern vehicles from 2010+, especially hybrids and four-cylinders
• Climate Range: -40°F to 100°F+ ambient temperatures
• Fuel Economy: Excellent
• Common Applications: Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Subaru, and many domestic vehicles

Popular Mid-Range Grades (Most Vehicles)

5W-20

• Cold Cranking Temperature: -35°C (-31°F)
• Pumping Temperature: -40°C (-40°F)
• Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: 5.6-9.3 cSt
• Best For: Many Ford, Chrysler, Honda vehicles from 2000s-present
• Climate Range: -30°F to 100°F+ ambient temperatures
• Fuel Economy: Very good
• Common Applications: Wide range of passenger vehicles, light trucks

5W-30

• Cold Cranking Temperature: -35°C (-31°F)
• Pumping Temperature: -40°C (-40°F)
• Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: 9.3-12.5 cSt
• Best For: Broadest application range, most versatile grade
• Climate Range: -30°F to 110°F+ ambient temperatures
• Fuel Economy: Good
• Common Applications: Nearly all manufacturers, 1990s-present vehicles

Understanding exactly what the 5W-30 designation means is crucial since it’s the most common grade. Our detailed article on what does 5W-30 mean breaks down this popular rating.

10W-30

• Cold Cranking Temperature: -30°C (-22°F)
• Pumping Temperature: -35°C (-31°F)
• Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: 9.3-12.5 cSt
• Best For: Older vehicles, moderate climates, high-mileage engines
• Climate Range: -20°F to 110°F+ ambient temperatures
• Fuel Economy: Moderate
• Common Applications: 1980s-2000s vehicles, some current high-mileage applications

Heavier Conventional Grades

10W-40

• Cold Cranking Temperature: -30°C (-22°F)
• Pumping Temperature: -35°C (-31°F)
• Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: 12.5-16.3 cSt
• Best For: Older engines, high-mileage vehicles, hot climates
• Climate Range: -20°F to 120°F+ ambient temperatures
• Fuel Economy: Lower than thinner grades
• Common Applications: 1970s-1990s vehicles, motorcycles, some performance applications

15W-40

• Cold Cranking Temperature: -25°C (-13°F)
• Pumping Temperature: -30°C (-22°F)
• Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: 12.5-16.3 cSt
• Best For: Diesel engines, commercial vehicles, hot climates
• Climate Range: 0°F to 120°F+ ambient temperatures
• Fuel Economy: Lower due to thickness
• Common Applications: Diesel trucks, heavy-duty engines, older gasoline engines

20W-50

• Cold Cranking Temperature: -20°C (-4°F)
• Pumping Temperature: -25°C (-13°F)
• Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: 16.3-21.9 cSt
• Best For: Racing, high-performance, vintage engines
• Climate Range: 10°F to 130°F+ ambient temperatures
• Fuel Economy: Significantly reduced
• Common Applications: Racing engines, air-cooled engines, vintage vehicles

European and Performance Grades

0W-30

• Cold Cranking Temperature: -40°C (-40°F)
• Pumping Temperature: -45°C (-49°F)
• Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: 9.3-12.5 cSt
• Best For: European vehicles, extreme cold climates
• Climate Range: -40°F to 110°F+ ambient temperatures
• Fuel Economy: Very good
• Common Applications: Mercedes, BMW, VW, extreme cold weather use

0W-40

• Cold Cranking Temperature: -40°C (-40°F)
• Pumping Temperature: -45°C (-49°F)
• Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: 12.5-16.3 cSt
• Best For: European performance vehicles, wide temperature range
• Climate Range: -40°F to 120°F+ ambient temperatures
• Fuel Economy: Good
• Common Applications: BMW M-series, Porsche, Mercedes AMG, performance applications

5W-40

• Cold Cranking Temperature: -35°C (-31°F)
• Pumping Temperature: -40°C (-40°F)
• Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: 12.5-16.3 cSt
• Best For: European vehicles, turbocharged engines
• Climate Range: -30°F to 120°F+ ambient temperatures
• Fuel Economy: Moderate
• Common Applications: VW, Audi, Mercedes, BMW, turbocharged applications

5W-50

• Cold Cranking Temperature: -35°C (-31°F)
• Pumping Temperature: -40°C (-40°F)
• Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: 16.3-21.9 cSt
• Best For: High-performance engines, racing (street-legal)
• Climate Range: -30°F to 130°F+ ambient temperatures
• Fuel Economy: Lower
• Common Applications: Corvette, Mustang GT, performance modified engines

Single-Grade Oils (Specialty Use)

SAE 30

• Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: 9.3-12.5 cSt
• Best For: Small engines, vintage vehicles, warm climates only
• Common Applications: Lawn mowers, generators, some classic cars

SAE 40

• Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: 12.5-16.3 cSt
• Best For: Vintage engines, racing, hot weather only
• Common Applications: Classic cars, racing, air-cooled engines

SAE 50

• Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: 16.3-21.9 cSt
• Best For: Racing, vintage high-performance engines
• Common Applications: Competition engines, some vintage applications

For more on the differences between single and multigrade oils, see our comparison guide on multigrade vs single-grade oil.

SAE Viscosity Chart: Temperature Range Comparison

Understanding which oil works best in your climate is essential. Here’s how different winter ratings perform at various temperatures:

Study shows that an SAE 50 engine oil and an SAE 90 gear oil are the same viscosity. This might surprise you if you’re thinking that gear oil is always thicker than engine oil.

Extreme Cold (Below -30°F / -34°C)

• Best Choice: 0W grades (0W-16, 0W-20, 0W-30, 0W-40)
• Acceptable: None of the higher grades flow adequately
• Avoid: 10W, 15W, 20W grades

Very Cold (-30°F to -10°F / -34°C to -23°C)

• Best Choice: 0W and 5W grades
• Acceptable: 10W grades with caution
• Avoid: 15W, 20W grades

Cold (-10°F to 20°F / -23°C to -7°C)

• Best Choice: 0W and 5W grades
• Acceptable: 10W grades
• Avoid: 15W, 20W grades

Moderate (20°F to 60°F / -7°C to 16°C)

• Best Choice: Any grade approved for your vehicle
• Most Versatile: 5W-30, 10W-30
• Consider: Climate-specific manufacturer recommendations

Warm (60°F to 85°F / 16°C to 29°C)

• Best Choice: Follow manufacturer specs
• Most Versatile: 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40
• Consider: Standard recommendations work well

Hot (85°F to 100°F / 29°C to 38°C)

• Best Choice: Follow manufacturer specs, consider upper approved range
• Good Options: 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40 (if approved)
• Consider: Slightly thicker grades if manufacturer allows

Very Hot (Above 100°F / 38°C)

• Best Choice: Upper end of manufacturer-approved range
• Good Options: 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40 (if approved)
• Consider: Towing or heavy-load recommendations

For detailed guidance on selecting oil based on your specific climate, consult our guide on oil viscosity by climate.

High-Temperature Performance Comparison

The second number in viscosity ratings indicates thickness at 100°C (212°F), but here’s what that means for real-world performance:

Grades 16-20 (0W-16, 0W-20, 5W-20)

• Kinematic Viscosity: 5.6-9.3 cSt
• Protection Level: Adequate for modern tight-tolerance engines
• Heat Resistance: Good with quality synthetic formulations
• Best Use: Fuel-efficient modern engines, normal driving

Grade 30 (0W-30, 5W-30, 10W-30)

• Kinematic Viscosity: 9.3-12.5 cSt
• Protection Level: Excellent for most applications
• Heat Resistance: Very good, handles normal stress well
• Best Use: Broad range of vehicles and conditions

Grade 40 (0W-40, 5W-40, 10W-40, 15W-40)

• Kinematic Viscosity: 12.5-16.3 cSt
• Protection Level: High, good for wear or heavy loads
• Heat Resistance: Excellent, maintains film strength under stress
• Best Use: Performance engines, towing, high-mileage, hot climates

Grade 50 (5W-50, 20W-50)

• Kinematic Viscosity: 16.3-21.9 cSt
• Protection Level: Maximum for extreme conditions
• Heat Resistance: Outstanding under extreme stress
• Best Use: Racing, extreme performance, vintage high-compression engines

Grade 60 (20W-60, racing oils)

• Kinematic Viscosity: 21.9-26.1 cSt
• Protection Level: Maximum protection, racing applications
• Heat Resistance: Extreme
• Best Use: Professional racing, drag racing, extreme applications only

Viscosity Index Comparison

The viscosity index (VI) measures how much an oil’s viscosity changes with temperature. Higher VI numbers mean more stable viscosity across temperatures—a desirable characteristic.

Conventional Multigrade Oils

• Typical VI: 140-160
• Viscosity Stability: Moderate
• Temperature Performance: Adequate for normal use

Synthetic Blend Oils

• Typical VI: 150-170
• Viscosity Stability: Good
• Temperature Performance: Better than conventional

Full Synthetic Oils

• Typical VI: 160-180+
• Viscosity Stability: Excellent
• Temperature Performance: Superior across temperature extremes

Racing and Specialty Synthetics

• Typical VI: 170-200+
• Viscosity Stability: Outstanding
• Temperature Performance: Exceptional under stress

Higher viscosity index oils maintain their protective properties better across temperature swings, resist breakdown under stress more effectively, and generally provide more consistent performance.

Practical Application Guide by Vehicle Type

Modern Passenger Cars (2010+)

• Primary Choices: 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30
• Alternative for Cold: 0W-16 (if specified)
• Alternative for Heat: None usually needed
• Follow manufacturer specs precisely

Older Passenger Cars (1990-2010)

• Primary Choices: 5W-30, 10W-30
• Alternative for Cold: 5W-20 (if approved)
• Alternative for Heat: 10W-40 (if approved)
• Check manual for approved range

High-Mileage Vehicles (75,000+ miles)

• Primary Choices: Same as specified, consider high-mileage formulations
• Alternative: One grade thicker if consumption occurs (5W-30 → 10W-30)
• Caution: Don’t go too thick for modern engines
• See our high-mileage recommendations for detailed guidance

Light Trucks and SUVs

• Primary Choices: 5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30
• Towing/Hauling: Upper end of approved range
• Alternative: 5W-40, 10W-40 for severe duty if approved
• Follow towing specifications if available

Diesel Engines (Light Duty)

• Primary Choices: 5W-30, 5W-40 (with appropriate diesel specs)
• Alternative: 15W-40 for older diesels
• Must Meet: CJ-4, CK-4, or newer diesel specifications
• Check: Manufacturer requirements for DPF-equipped engines

Diesel Engines (Heavy Duty)

• Primary Choices: 15W-40, 10W-40
• Alternative: 5W-40 for cold climates
• Must Meet: CK-4, FA-4, or appropriate commercial spec
• Consider: Severe service recommendations

Performance/Sports Cars

• Primary Choices: 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-50
• Track Use: Follow manufacturer track specifications
• Alternative: 10W-60 for racing (some applications)
• Critical: Must meet manufacturer performance specs

European Vehicles

• Primary Choices: 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40
• Must Meet: Manufacturer approvals (BMW LL-01, MB 229.5, etc.)
• Alternative: Follow manual’s climate recommendations
• Important: Viscosity alone isn’t enough; need proper approvals

Motorcycles

• Primary Choices: 10W-40, 20W-50 (JASO MA/MA2 certified)
• Alternative: 5W-40 for cold climates
• Critical: Must be motorcycle-specific or compatible with wet clutches
• Avoid: Automotive oils with friction modifiers

Classic/Vintage Cars

• Primary Choices: Depends on original specification
• Common: SAE 30, SAE 40, 10W-30, 20W-50
• Consider: ZDDP levels for flat-tappet engines
• Research: Original manufacturer recommendations

How to Use This Chart

This chart serves multiple purposes in your oil selection process:

Step 1: Find Your Current Specification Look up your owner’s manual recommendation and locate it on the chart. This shows you the temperature ranges and characteristics of your specified oil.

Step 2: Understand Alternatives If your manual lists multiple approved grades, compare them on the chart to understand trade-offs between fuel economy, protection, and temperature performance.

Step 3: Compare Related Grades If you’re considering a different grade (perhaps due to high mileage or climate), see how it compares to your current specification. Make sure any alternative falls within manufacturer-approved options.

Step 4: Verify Temperature Suitability Match your climate’s temperature extremes to the oil’s performance range. Ensure the grade you choose handles both your coldest winter days and hottest summer conditions.

Step 5: Consider Driving Conditions Normal commuting versus towing, racing, or severe service may push you toward different ends of your manufacturer’s approved range.

Key Specifications Explained

Understanding the technical measurements helps you interpret the chart more effectively:

Cold Cranking Temperature: The coldest temperature at which oil maintains specific flow characteristics in a cold-cranking simulator. Lower temperatures indicate better cold-start performance.

Pumping Temperature: The coldest temperature at which oil can be pumped through the engine. Slightly lower than cold-cranking temperature, this ensures oil reaches all components even in extreme cold.

Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: The oil’s thickness at operating temperature, measured in centistokes (cSt). This directly relates to the second number in the viscosity rating (20, 30, 40, etc.).

HTHS Viscosity: High Temperature High Shear viscosity, measured at 150°C under shear conditions. Important for modern engines, especially those with variable valve timing or turbochargers. Not all oils list this specification.

Common Comparison Scenarios

Comparing 5W-30 vs 10W-30: Identical at operating temperature (both “30” weight), but 5W-30 flows better when cold. Unless you live in a consistently hot climate and your manual allows both, 5W-30 is the better choice.

Comparing 5W-20 vs 5W-30: Same cold performance, but 5W-30 is thicker when hot. 5W-20 offers better fuel economy; 5W-30 provides more protection under load. Use whichever your manufacturer specifies.

Comparing 0W-20 vs 5W-20: 0W-20 flows better in extreme cold, identical otherwise. In climates above -30°F, the difference is minimal. 0W-20 costs more due to synthetic requirements.

Comparing 10W-40 vs 15W-40: 10W-40 flows better when cold while providing similar hot-weather protection. Unless you’re in a consistently hot climate, 10W-40 is more versatile.

Important Notes and Disclaimers

Always Prioritize Manufacturer Specifications: This chart provides reference information, but your owner’s manual takes precedence. Never substitute a grade not approved for your engine.

Viscosity Isn’t Everything: Meeting the viscosity specification is necessary but not sufficient. Your oil must also meet API service ratings, ILSAC certifications, and any manufacturer-specific approvals (GM dexos, Ford WSS, etc.).

Quality Varies Within Grades: Not all 5W-30 oils perform equally. Base stock quality, additive packages, and manufacturing standards create significant performance differences even at the same viscosity.

Synthetic vs Conventional: This chart applies to both synthetic and conventional oils at the same viscosity grade. However, synthetics maintain viscosity more consistently and resist breakdown better.

Temperature Ranges Are Guides: The listed temperature ranges indicate where each grade performs optimally, but they’re not absolute limits. An oil doesn’t suddenly fail at temperatures slightly outside its range.

Consult Professionals for Uncertainty: If you’re unsure which grade is right for your specific situation, consult a qualified mechanic or your vehicle dealer. Wrong viscosity can cause serious engine damage.

Using This Chart for Different Purposes

Seasonal Changes: Compare your current oil’s temperature range with seasonal extremes. If switching oil seasonally (rarely necessary with modern multigrade oils), this chart shows which grades suit each season.

High-Mileage Considerations: If your engine has significant wear, comparing grades one step thicker (5W-30 → 10W-30) shows the protection trade-offs versus efficiency losses.

Performance Applications: Track days or racing often require specialized grades. Compare your normal oil’s temperature range with performance oils to understand their extreme-condition capabilities.

Towing and Hauling: Heavy loads generate more heat. The chart helps you understand which thicker grades (if approved) might benefit severe-duty operation.

Climate Moves: Relocating to a different climate? Compare your current oil’s range with local temperature extremes to determine if you need to adjust within your manufacturer’s approved grades.

Keeping This Reference Handy

Bookmark this page or save it to your device for quick reference whenever you need to:

• Compare different viscosity grades
• Verify temperature suitability
• Understand manufacturer recommendations
• Make informed decisions at oil change time
• Discuss options with mechanics or parts store staff

Understanding viscosity grades empowers you to maintain your engine properly, ask informed questions, and make decisions based on facts rather than myths or marketing.

For the complete picture of engine oil viscosity, including selection strategies, climate considerations, and troubleshooting, explore our engine oil viscosity complete guide.

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