⚖️ Density Calculator
Calculate density
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Mass
Input the mass of the object in kilograms. If you have mass in grams, divide by 1000 to convert to kilograms. For example, 2500 grams = 2.5 kg.
Enter Volume
Input the volume of the object in cubic meters. If you have volume in liters, divide by 1000 (1 L = 0.001 m³). For cubic centimeters, divide by 1,000,000.
Calculate Density
Click "Calculate Density" to get the result in kg/m³. The calculator also displays the density in g/cm³ for convenience. Use this value to identify materials or solve physics problems.
Formula
ρ = m / V
where:
- ρ (rho) = Density (kg/m³ or g/cm³)
- m = Mass (kg or g)
- V = Volume (m³ or cm³)
Example 1: Water
Given: Mass = 1000 kg, Volume = 1 m³
Calculation: ρ = 1000 / 1 = 1000 kg/m³
Result: Water has a density of 1000 kg/m³ (1 g/cm³)
Example 2: Aluminum Block
Given: Mass = 2.7 kg, Volume = 0.001 m³
Calculation: ρ = 2.7 / 0.001 = 2700 kg/m³
Result: Aluminum has a density of 2700 kg/m³ (2.7 g/cm³)
Example 3: Using Different Units
Given: Mass = 500 g = 0.5 kg, Volume = 100 cm³ = 0.0001 m³
Calculation: ρ = 0.5 / 0.0001 = 5000 kg/m³
Or: ρ = 500 / 100 = 5 g/cm³
About Density Calculator
The density calculator computes density using the fundamental formula ρ = m/V, where ρ (rho) is density, m is mass, and V is volume. Density is a fundamental physical property that describes how much mass is contained in a given volume. It's essential in physics, chemistry, engineering, and everyday life.
When to Use This Calculator
- Physics Problems: Solve density calculations in physics homework and exams
- Material Identification: Identify unknown materials by comparing calculated density to known values
- Engineering Design: Calculate material requirements and weights for engineering projects
- Chemistry: Determine concentration and solve stoichiometry problems
- Everyday Applications: Calculate material quantities for DIY projects
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Simple Formula: Uses the standard density formula ρ = m/V
- ✅ Easy to Use: Just enter mass and volume to get density
- ✅ Dual Units: Results displayed in both kg/m³ and g/cm³
- ✅ Step-by-Step: Shows calculation process with formula breakdown
- ✅ Free Tool: No cost, no registration required
- ✅ Mobile Friendly: Works on all devices
Common Applications
Material Science: Engineers and scientists use density to characterize materials and understand their properties. Different materials have distinct densities, making it a useful identification tool.
Buoyancy Calculations: Density is crucial for understanding why objects float or sink. Objects with density less than water (1000 kg/m³) float, while denser objects sink.
Quality Control: Manufacturing industries use density measurements to ensure product quality and detect defects. Variations in density can indicate manufacturing issues.
Construction: Builders and architects calculate material densities to estimate weights, plan structures, and ensure safety. Different construction materials have different densities affecting structural design.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure consistent units: use kg and m³ for metric, or use consistent smaller units (g and cm³)
- For irregular shapes, use water displacement method to measure volume
- Remember that density can change with temperature (especially for gases)
- For porous materials, density may vary based on whether you include air spaces
- Common conversion: 1 g/cm³ = 1000 kg/m³
- Water density is exactly 1000 kg/m³ at 4°C and standard atmospheric pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is density?
Density is a measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume. It's calculated by dividing mass by volume (ρ = m/V). Higher density means more mass in the same volume. Common units are kg/m³ (kilograms per cubic meter) or g/cm³ (grams per cubic centimeter).
How do I convert between kg/m³ and g/cm³?
To convert from kg/m³ to g/cm³, divide by 1000. To convert from g/cm³ to kg/m³, multiply by 1000. For example: 1000 kg/m³ = 1 g/cm³, 2700 kg/m³ = 2.7 g/cm³.
Does temperature affect density?
Yes, temperature affects density for most materials. Generally, as temperature increases, density decreases because materials expand (volume increases). This effect is most pronounced in gases, moderate in liquids, and small in solids. Water is unusual - it has maximum density at 4°C.
What is the density of common materials?
Common densities: Water = 1000 kg/m³, Air (at sea level) = 1.225 kg/m³, Aluminum = 2700 kg/m³, Steel = 7850 kg/m³, Gold = 19,320 kg/m³, Wood (pine) = 500-600 kg/m³, Concrete = 2400 kg/m³.
How do I measure volume for irregular shapes?
For irregular shapes, use the water displacement method: fill a container with water, note the water level, submerge the object, and measure how much the water level rises. The volume increase equals the object's volume. Alternatively, use geometric formulas for regular shapes.
Can density be used to identify materials?
Yes, density is a useful property for material identification. Each material has a characteristic density range. By measuring an object's mass and volume, you can calculate its density and compare it to known values to help identify the material. However, different materials can have similar densities, so density alone isn't always sufficient for identification.