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Reference Table
NLGI Grease Consistency Reference Table
Reference table of all NLGI consistency grades (000–6) with penetration ranges, appearance, and typical applications. The NLGI consistency number indicates the relative hardness of a grease, higher numbers mean firmer grease. NLGI 2 is the most common grade for general industrial applications.
| NLGI Grade | Worked Penetration (0.1mm) | Appearance | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 000 | 445–475 | Semi-fluid | Gear boxes, centralized lubrication systems |
| 00 | 400–430 | Semi-fluid | Enclosed gear boxes, wire rope lubrication |
| 0 | 355–385 | Very soft | Centralized lubrication, low-temperature applications |
| 1 | 310–340 | Soft | Low-speed bearings, centralized systems, cold environments |
| 2 | 265–295 | Grease (normal) | General-purpose bearings, most common grade |
| 3 | 220–250 | Firm | Medium/high-speed bearings, automotive wheel bearings |
| 4 | 175–205 | Very firm | High-speed bearings, water pump bearings |
| 5 | 130–160 | Hard | Specialty applications, block greases |
| 6 | 85–115 | Block (solid) | Block greases for specialty applications |
The NLGI (National Lubricating Grease Institute) consistency number is determined by the worked penetration test (ASTM D217). Softer greases (lower numbers) flow more easily and are used in centralized lubrication systems; firmer greases (higher numbers) stay in place under high-speed or high-temperature conditions.
