Calculate Density, Mass or Volume
Density tells you how much mass is packed into a given volume. It explains why a steel ball sinks and a wooden block floats. This density calculator solves the density formula for whichever value is missing: density, mass or volume. Choose from grams, kilograms or pounds for mass, cm³, m³ or liters for volume, and kg/m³ or g/cm³ for density. Results are compared with common materials to help you identify a substance.
The Density Formula
Example: a metal block with a mass of 540 g and a volume of 200 cm³ has a density of 540 ÷ 200 = 2.7 g/cm³. That matches aluminum.
- Density: ρ = m ÷ V
- Mass: m = ρ × V
- Volume: V = m ÷ ρ
Densities of Common Materials
- Water: 1.0 g/cm³ (1,000 kg/m³)
- Ice: about 0.92 g/cm³
- Aluminum: 2.7 g/cm³
- Iron/steel: about 7.8–7.9 g/cm³
- Gold: 19.3 g/cm³
- Air (at sea level): about 0.0012 g/cm³
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some objects float in water?
An object floats if its overall density is lower than water's (1 g/cm³). That is why wood, ice and oil float. Ships float because their hollow shape gives them a low average density.
How do I convert g/cm³ to kg/m³?
Multiply by 1,000. For example, 2.7 g/cm³ equals 2,700 kg/m³. To go the other way, divide by 1,000.
How do I measure the volume of an irregular object?
Use water displacement. Submerge the object in a measuring container of water. The rise in water level equals the object's volume (1 ml = 1 cm³).