Cubic Unit Cell Calculator
Enter lattice parameters and composition to evaluate geometric properties and theoretical density of cubic crystals.
1 for simple cubic, 2 for body centered, 4 for face centered.
Volume
0 m3
Surface area
0 m2
Density
2,263.368 kg/m3
How to Use This Calculator
Enter lattice parameter
Provide the cubic cell edge length in angstroms, nanometers, or meters.
Specify atoms per cell
Choose the appropriate Z value for the lattice type (simple, body centered, or face centered).
Input molar mass
Use the molar mass of the repeating unit in g/mol to determine theoretical density.
Review geometric properties
Results include unit cell volume, surface area, and density in SI units.
Formula
V = a^3
A = 6 a^2
rho = (Z M) / (N_A a^3)
a in meters, M molar mass in g/mol, Z atoms per cell, N_A Avogadro constant. Density reported in kg/m3 after unit conversion.
Example
For sodium chloride (FCC) with a = 5.64 angstrom, Z = 4, M = 58.44 g/mol: density about 2160 kg/m3.
Full Description
Cubic crystal structures share equal edge lengths and right angles, making geometric properties simple functions of the lattice parameter.
The calculator provides theoretical density assuming fully dense crystals without defects or vacancies. Compare with experimental densities to infer packing efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between angstrom and nanometer inputs?
1 angstrom equals 0.1 nanometer. Select the unit that matches your lattice parameter measurements.
Can I model non-cubic cells?
This tool assumes cubic symmetry. Use specialized calculators for tetragonal, orthorhombic, or other systems.
How accurate is theoretical density?
It matches experimental values when crystals are fully dense. Porosity, defects, or mixed occupancy reduce real density.
Why convert molar mass to kg?
Density uses SI units. The internal conversion ensures g/mol input produces kg/m3 output.
What if Z is fractional?
Some structures have partial occupancy. Enter the effective number of formula units per cell to reflect actual composition.