What does SAE 30 stand for?
Andrew Mccoy
Updated on January 18, 2026
October 27, 2021. You may have heard of (and are likely using) SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30 motor oil. These are engine oil viscosity grades designed by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), which is why you see “SAE” appended before the grade.
What is equivalent to SAE 30 oil?
SAE 10W is equivalent to ISO 32, SAE 20 is equivalent to ISO 46 and 68, and SAE 30 is equivalent to ISO 100.Is SAE 30 oil the same as 5w30?
To be clear, SAE 30 and 5w30 are not the same. SAE 30 is a single-grade oil meaning it is only rated one time at a very high temperature. This high-temperature rating is right in the middle at 30. 5w30 on the other hand, is a multi-grade oil that has two ratings.What does SAE 30 number mean?
SAE 30 MeaningUse them only in spring, summer and autumn. The number '30' refers to the kinematic viscosity at 100 °C. This contains at 100 °C (operating temperature in the engine) a range of at least 9.3 -12.4 mm²/s. The engine is optimally protected even under demanding conditions.