API gravity: oil and gas industry, a measure of the weight of an oil product relative to water
API = 141.5/ γ - one hundred and thirty-one point five
γ Is the specific gravity of oil (relative to water=1, measured at standard temperature and pressure)
The API gravity of water is 10. The larger the API is, the lighter the oil is
Classification | API degree | Viscosity (dead oil) |
Extra Heavy Oil | 7-11 | 5.000 – 50.000 cP |
Heavy Oil | 12-16 | 500 – 4.999 cP |
Medium Oil | 17-28 | 50- 499 cP |
Light Oil | 29-40 | 5 – 49 cP |
Extra Light Oil | 37-45 | 1 – 4 cP |
Condensate | 46-70 | less than 1 cP |