Density, Mass & Volume Calculator
Calculate material density, weight/mass, or volumetric capacity with instant unit conversions and standard material density presets.
Calculated Density
Equivalent Values Across Units
What is Material Density?
Density is a fundamental physical property defined as the mass of an object divided by the volume it occupies: ρ = m / V. In simple terms, it measures how tightly matter is packed together inside a given space. A small block of dense lead will weigh significantly more than an identical-sized block of porous wood or aluminum.
Key Formulas & Relationships
Common Material Densities at Room Temperature
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Density (kg/m³) | Density (lb/ft³) | Floats in Water? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 19.32 | 19,320 | 1,206.1 | Sinks |
| Lead | 11.34 | 11,340 | 707.9 | Sinks |
| Steel / Iron | 7.87 | 7,870 | 491.3 | Sinks |
| Aluminum | 2.70 | 2,700 | 168.6 | Sinks |
| Pure Water (4°C) | 1.00 | 1,000 | 62.4 | Neutral |
| Oak Wood | 0.75 | 750 | 46.8 | Floats |
| Gasoline | 0.72 | 720 | 44.9 | Floats |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the formula for calculating density?
The formula for density is ρ = m / V, where ρ represents density, m is mass, and V is volume. Mass can be calculated as m = ρ × V, and volume as V = m / ρ.
What is specific gravity?
Specific gravity is the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of pure water at 4°C (1.000 g/cm³ or 1000 kg/m³). Any solid or liquid with a specific gravity less than 1.0 will float on pure water.
What are standard units for measuring density?
In SI units, density is measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³) or grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). In imperial units, pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³) is commonly used in civil engineering and construction.
How does temperature affect material density?
As materials are heated, their atoms vibrate more vigorously and expand outward, increasing total volume while mass remains unchanged. This causes density to drop as temperature rises. Water expands upon freezing, which is why ice floats.