# Kinematic Viscosity

The kinematic viscosity of a liquid is the absolute (or dynamic) viscosity divided by the density of the liquid at the temperature of measurement.

- Canonical URL: https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/testing/asphalt-tests/kinematic-viscosity/
- Last updated: 2026-11-01
- Review: reviewed by licensed professional engineers on the previous Pavement Interactive site, where reviewers were not recorded by name

The kinematic viscosity of a liquid is the absolute (or dynamic) viscosity divided by the density of the liquid at the temperature of measurement. The 135° C (275° F) measurement temperature was chosen to simulate the mixing and [laydown](https://pavementinteractive.org/glossary/laydown/) temperatures typically encountered in HMA pavement construction.

The basic kinematic viscosity test measures the time it takes for a fixed volume of [asphalt binder](https://pavementinteractive.org/glossary/asphalt-binder/) to flow through a capillary viscometer under closely controlled conditions of head and temperature (ASTM, 2001).

## Standard Test Methods

AASHTO T 201 and ASTM D 2170: Kinematic Viscosity of Asphalts ([Bitumens](https://pavementinteractive.org/glossary/bitumens/))