Viscosity Adjustment Calculator

Thickener percentage for target viscosity.

Batch size (g)

Current viscosity (cP)

Target viscosity (cP)

Thickener type (1-4)

Temperature (°C)

Tab to move between fields

Required thickener (%)

0.96

Recommended use level (%)

0.96

Thickener weight (g)9.59

Achievable viscosity (cP)15,000

Viscosity at temp (cP)15,000

Temperature factor1

Exceeds max? (1=yes)0

Max recommended (%)1

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the current measured viscosity of your formula in cP or mPa.s.
Set the target viscosity and the rheology modifier being used.
Input the modifier current usage level and thickening efficiency factor.
Review the estimated additional modifier amount needed.
Test viscosity after each addition and iterate -- this provides a starting estimate for bench trials.

How the result changes with Target viscosity (cP)

Batch size (g): Total batch weight in grams.
Current viscosity (cP): Viscosity of the base formula before adding thickener, in centipoise.
Target viscosity (cP): Desired final viscosity. Lotions: 5,000-15,000 cP, creams: 15,000-50,000 cP, gels: 30,000-100,000 cP.
Thickener type (1-4): 1=Carbomer (most efficient), 2=Xanthan Gum, 3=Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), 4=HPMC.
Temperature (°C): Product temperature during viscosity measurement. Viscosity decreases ~2.5% per °C above 25°C.

Required thickener (%): Calculated percentage of thickener needed to reach target viscosity.
Recommended use level (%): Actual use level, capped at maximum recommended for the thickener type.
Thickener weight (g): Grams of thickener to add to the batch.
Achievable viscosity (cP): Viscosity achievable at the recommended use level (at 25°C).
Viscosity at temp (cP): Estimated viscosity at your specified temperature.
Temperature factor: Multiplier applied for temperature correction.
Exceeds max? (1=yes): Warning: 1 if calculated percentage exceeds the recommended maximum for this thickener.
Max recommended (%): Maximum recommended use level for this thickener type.

Identify Input Parameters
4 parameters
Batch size (g) = 1000, Current viscosity (cP) = 500, Target viscosity (cP) = 15000, Thickener type (1-4) = 1 = 5 input(s) provided
Calculate Required thickener
Required thickener
0.959 = 0.959
Calculate Recommended use level
Recommended use level = min(requiredPct, maxPct)
0.959 = 0.959
Calculate Thickener weight
Thickener weight = batchSize * (cappedPct / 100)
9.59 = 9.59
Calculate Achievable viscosity
Achievable viscosity = currentVisc + k * pow(cappedPct, n)
15000 = 15000