Density Calculator
Calculate density, volume, or mass using the density formula ρ = m/V. Choose the calculation mode below.
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What is Density?
Density is a fundamental physical property that describes how much mass is contained in a given volume. It is defined by the formula:
ρ = m / V
Where ρ (rho) is density, m is mass, and V is volume. The SI unit for density is kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³), though grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) and kilograms per liter (kg/L) are also commonly used.
Density is an intensive property, meaning it does not depend on the amount of material — a small piece of gold has the same density as a large gold bar. This property is used to identify materials, determine purity, and understand buoyancy. Substances with density less than water (1000 kg/m³) will float, while denser substances will sink.
Density Table of Common Materials
| Material | Density (kg/m³) |
|---|---|
| Water (pure, 4°C) | 1,000 |
| Air (at sea level) | 1.225 |
| Aluminum | 2,700 |
| Brass | 8,530 |
| concrete-calculator | 2,400 |
| Copper | 8,960 |
| Gasoline | 745 |
| Glass | 2,500 |
| Gold | 19,320 |
| Ice (0°C) | 917 |
| Iron | 7,870 |
| Lead | 11,340 |
| Mercury | 13,546 |
| Milk | 1,030 |
| Olive Oil | 920 |
| Platinum | 21,450 |
| Sea water | 1,025 |
| Silver | 10,490 |
| Steel | 7,850 |
| Titanium | 4,500 |
| Wood (oak) | 750 |
| Wood (pine) | 500 |
Common Density Units
| Unit | Description |
|---|---|
| kg/m³ | Kilogram per cubic meter (SI unit) |
| g/cm³ | Gram per cubic centimeter |
| kg/L | Kilogram per liter |
| g/L | Gram per liter |
| lb/ft³ | Pound per cubic foot |
| lb/in³ | Pound per cubic inch |
| lb/gal(US) | Pound per US gallon |
Related Calculators
Authoritative References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is density?
Density is a physical property of matter that measures the mass of a substance per unit volume. It is defined as mass divided by volume (ρ = m/V). Density indicates how compact a substance is — a higher density means more mass is packed into a given volume. The SI unit of density is kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).
How do I calculate density?
Density is calculated by dividing the mass of an object by its volume. The formula is: ρ = m / V, where ρ (rho) is density, m is mass, and V is volume. For example, if an object has a mass of 10 kg and a volume of 2 m³, its density is 5 kg/m³.
What is the density of water?
The density of pure water at 4°C (39.2°F) is approximately 1000 kg/m³, 1 g/cm³, or 1 kg/L. This is a convenient reference point because 1 liter of water weighs exactly 1 kilogram. The density of water varies slightly with temperature — it is most dense at 4°C and becomes less dense as it approaches freezing or boiling.
How does temperature affect density?
For most substances, density decreases as temperature increases (thermal expansion). As molecules gain kinetic energy and move further apart, the same mass occupies a larger volume, reducing density. Water is unusual — it reaches maximum density at 4°C and becomes less dense as it freezes, which is why ice floats on water.