Density Calculator
Calculate density, mass, or volume using the fundamental density formula. Supports multiple units for mass, volume, and density. Perfect for physics, chemistry, engineering, and material science calculations.
Common Material Densities
Click on any material to set its density and switch to mass or volume mode.
Table of Contents
What is Density?
Density is a fundamental physical property that describes how much mass is contained in a given volume of a substance. It's a measure of how tightly packed the particles of a material are. Higher density means more mass in the same volume, while lower density means less mass in the same volume.
Density is an intensive property, meaning it doesn't depend on the amount of substance. Whether you have 1 gram or 1 kilogram of water, its density remains approximately 1000 kg/m³ (at 4°C). This makes density a useful property for identifying materials and understanding their behavior.
Understanding density is crucial in many fields, from determining if an object will float or sink in water, to calculating material requirements in engineering, to understanding the composition of planets and stars in astronomy.
The Density Formula
The density formula is one of the most fundamental equations in physics and chemistry:
ρ = m / V ρ (rho) = Density
m = Mass
V = Volume
Rearranging the Formula
The density formula can be rearranged to solve for any of the three variables:
To find Density:
ρ = m / VTo find Mass:
m = ρ × VTo find Volume:
V = m / ρUnits and Conversions
Density can be expressed in many different units depending on the system of measurement and the context. The most common units are:
Metric Units
Imperial Units
Common Conversions
| From | To | Multiply By |
|---|---|---|
| g/cm³ | kg/m³ | 1000 |
| g/mL | kg/m³ | 1000 |
| lb/ft³ | kg/m³ | 16.0185 |
| lb/in³ | kg/m³ | 27,679.9 |
Applications of Density
Buoyancy and Floating
Objects with density less than water (1000 kg/m³) will float, while objects with greater density will sink. This principle is used in shipbuilding, hot air balloons, and understanding why ice floats on water.
Material Identification
Density is a characteristic property that can help identify unknown materials. By measuring the mass and volume of a sample, you can determine its density and compare it to known values.
Engineering and Construction
Engineers use density to calculate material requirements, determine structural loads, and select appropriate materials for construction projects. Concrete density affects strength and durability.
Chemistry and Material Science
Density measurements help determine purity, composition, and phase changes. It's used in quality control, research, and industrial processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Specific gravity is the ratio of a substance's density to the density of water at 4°C (1000 kg/m³). It's a dimensionless number. For example, gold has a specific gravity of 19.3, meaning it's 19.3 times denser than water.
Yes, density generally decreases as temperature increases (for most substances). This is because particles move faster and spread out more at higher temperatures. Water is an exception: it's most dense at 4°C, which is why ice floats.
One cubic centimeter (cm³) is exactly equal to one milliliter (mL) by definition. Since the volume units are equivalent, g/cm³ and g/mL represent the same density value.
For regular solids: measure mass with a balance, measure volume using geometry or water displacement. For liquids: measure mass of a known volume. For irregular objects: use water displacement to find volume, then measure mass.
Osmium is the densest naturally occurring element at about 22,590 kg/m³. However, in extreme conditions (like neutron stars), densities can be millions of times greater.