Density Calculator
Calculate density, mass, or volume from the other two quantities and convert between common metric and US customary units.
Density formulas
Density is ρ = m ÷ V, where ρ is density, m is mass, and V is volume. Rearranging gives m = ρV and V = m ÷ ρ. This calculator converts every input to kilograms and cubic meters before applying the selected formula.
Checked examples
| Known values | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kg and 1 L | ρ = 1 kg ÷ 0.001 m³ | 1,000 kg/m³ = 1 g/cm³ |
| 10 lb and 2 ft³ | ρ = 10 lb ÷ 2 ft³ | 5 lb/ft³ ≈ 80.0923 kg/m³ |
| ρ = 1,000 kg/m³; V = 2 L | m = ρV | 2 kg |
| m = 2 kg; ρ = 1,000 kg/m³ | V = m ÷ ρ | 0.002 m³ = 2 L |
| ρ = 62.4 lb/ft³; V = 1 ft³ | m = ρV | 62.4 lb |
| 500 g and 250 mL | ρ = 500 g ÷ 250 mL | 2 g/mL |
How to use the calculator
- Select whether to calculate density, mass, or volume.
- Enter the two known positive quantities.
- Choose the unit beside every value, including the desired result unit.
- Calculate to see the result plus equivalent SI and US customary values.
- Confirm that mass and volume refer to the same sample and conditions.
Conversions and limitations
- 1 g/cm³ = 1 g/mL = 1 kg/L = 1,000 kg/m³.
- 1 lb/ft³ = 16.0184634 kg/m³; 1 lb/US gal ≈ 119.826427 kg/m³.
- Specific gravity shown here is density divided by 1,000 kg/m³, using water near 4 °C as the reference.
- All inputs must be finite, greater than zero, and no greater than 10³⁰ in the selected unit.
- Bulk density includes void spaces between particles; true material density usually does not. Do not interchange them without checking the measurement basis.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between density and weight?
Density is mass per unit volume. Weight is the force caused by gravity acting on mass and is measured in newtons or pounds-force.
Is 1 g/mL always the density of water?
It is a common approximation. Water density varies slightly with temperature, pressure, and purity.
Why does density change with temperature?
Many materials expand or contract as temperature changes. If mass stays constant while volume changes, density changes inversely.
Can this calculate bulk density?
Yes, if the entered volume includes the particle voids and the mass belongs to that same bulk sample. Label the result as bulk density.
Related calculators
Use the Volume Calculator for geometric solids, the Ideal Gas Law Calculator for pressure, volume, moles and temperature, the Air Density Calculator for atmospheric conditions, the Concrete Calculator for slab quantities, the Gravel Calculator for bulk volume and weight estimates, or the Kinetic Energy Calculator to combine mass and velocity.