The properties such as viscosity, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and density of nanofluids have been determined by various investigators through experiments. An equation developed for specific heat and density employing the law of mixtures is observed to be valid when compared with the experimental data. However, the experimental data of viscosity and thermal conductivity reported by investigators are observed to vary by more than 25 for certain nanofluids. Theoretical models for the estimation of properties are yet to be developed. The nanofluid properties are essential for the comparison of heat transfer enhancement capabilities. Equations are developed for the estimation of viscosity and thermal conductivity by Corcione and Sharma et al. These equations are flexible to determine the nanofluid properties for a wide range of operating parameters which can predict the experimental data of water-based nanofluids with a maximum deviation of 12 . © 2017, Springer International Publishing Switzerland.