Density Calculator
Find density, mass or volume from the other two, and see whether the object would float in water.
How to use the Density Calculator
- Choose the solve for.
- Enter the mass and pick its unit.
- Enter the volume and pick its unit.
- Enter the density and pick its unit.
- Press Calculate. The result updates automatically as you type, and you can switch the result unit at any time.
About the Density Calculator
Density describes how tightly matter is packed: how much mass fits in a given volume. It is a property of the material, not the size of the object, which makes it useful for identifying substances, checking purity, and converting between weight and volume. Water is about 1 g/cm³, aluminum 2.70, steel about 7.85, lead 11.34 and gold 19.3.
To measure the density of an irregular object, weigh it, then lower it into a measuring cylinder of water and read the rise in water level as its volume (Archimedes' method). Specific gravity is the density divided by water's density at about 20 °C; values above 1 sink in fresh water and values below 1 float. Density of liquids and gases changes with temperature, so note the conditions when precision matters.
Formula
ρ = m ÷ V m = ρ × V V = m ÷ ρ
ρ (rho) is density, m is mass and V is volume. 1 g/cm³ = 1 g/mL = 1,000 kg/m³ = 62.43 lb/ft³. Example: 500 g occupying 250 cm³ has a density of 500 ÷ 250 = 2 g/cm³.
Example calculation
Using the default values:
- Solve for = Density
- Mass = 500 g
- Volume = 250 cm³
the calculator returns:
- Density: 2 g/cm³
- Specific gravity (vs. water): 2.0036
- In fresh water it would: Sink
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for density?
Density equals mass divided by volume: ρ = m ÷ V. A 54 g block with a volume of 20 cm³ has a density of 2.7 g/cm³, the same as aluminum.
How do I find mass from density and volume?
Multiply density by volume. One liter (1,000 cm³) of olive oil at 0.92 g/cm³ has a mass of 920 g.
Why does ice float on water?
Ice has a density of about 0.917 g/cm³, lower than liquid water, because water molecules lock into an open crystal structure when they freeze.
Last updated: · Category: Science calculators