Density Calculator

Common Examples

Input	Result
Mass: 500 g, Volume: 250 cm³	Density: 2 g/cm³
Density: 8.96 g/cm³, Volume: 10 cm³	Mass: 89.6 g
Mass: 1000 g, Density: 0.917 g/cm³	Volume: 1,090.51 cm³
Mass: 100 g, Volume: 100 cm³	Density: 1 g/cm³ (water)

How It Works

The Formula

The density formula expresses the relationship between mass, volume, and density:

Density = Mass / Volume

This formula can be rearranged to solve for any of the three variables:

Solve for Density: D = M / V

Solve for Mass: M = D x V

Solve for Volume: V = M / D

Where:

Density is the amount of mass per unit of volume (commonly expressed in g/cm³, kg/m³, or lb/ft³)
Mass is the total amount of matter in the object
Volume is the amount of space the object occupies

Understanding Density

Density describes how tightly packed the matter in an object is. A high-density material like lead (11.34 g/cm³) has much more mass per unit volume than a low-density material like cork (approximately 0.12 g/cm³). Water has a density of 1 g/cm³ at 4 degrees Celsius, which serves as a convenient reference point. Objects with a density greater than water sink; objects with a density less than water float.

Common Densities

Water: 1.00 g/cm³
Ice: 0.917 g/cm³
Aluminum: 2.70 g/cm³
Iron: 7.87 g/cm³
Copper: 8.96 g/cm³
Gold: 19.32 g/cm³
Air (sea level): 0.001225 g/cm³

The calculator works with any consistent unit system. Enter mass and volume in compatible units and the result will be in the corresponding density unit.

Worked Example

An object has a mass of 500 grams and occupies 250 cubic centimeters. Density = 500 / 250 = 2 g/cm³. This density is close to that of concrete or brick. To find mass from density and volume: a 10 cm³ block of copper (density 8.96 g/cm³) has a mass of 8.96 x 10 = 89.6 grams. To find volume from mass and density: 1000 grams of ice (density 0.917 g/cm³) occupies 1000 / 0.917 = 1,090.51 cm³.

Related Calculators

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Molar Mass Calculator

Calculate the molar mass of any chemical compound by entering its formula. Shows element breakdown with atomic masses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What units does this density calculator use?

This calculator works with any consistent set of units. If you enter mass in grams and volume in cubic centimeters, the density result is in g/cm³. If you enter mass in kilograms and volume in cubic meters, the result is in kg/m³. The key is to keep the units consistent between inputs.

Why does ice float on water?

Ice has a density of approximately 0.917 g/cm³, which is less than the density of liquid water (1.00 g/cm³). This unusual property occurs because water molecules form a crystalline structure when freezing that spaces them slightly farther apart than in liquid form. Since ice is less dense, it floats.

What is the difference between density and specific gravity?

Density is an absolute measurement (mass per unit volume), while specific gravity is a relative measurement comparing a substance's density to the density of a reference material, usually water at 4 degrees Celsius. Specific gravity is dimensionless. For example, iron has a density of 7.87 g/cm³ and a specific gravity of 7.87.

Can density change with temperature?

Yes. Most materials expand when heated, increasing their volume while mass stays the same, which decreases density. This is why hot air rises (it is less dense than cooler surrounding air) and why the density of water is specified at a particular temperature (4 degrees Celsius for the standard 1.00 g/cm³ reference).

How is density used in everyday life?

Density is used in cooking (understanding why oil floats on water), swimming (saltwater is denser than freshwater, making floating easier), shipping (calculating whether cargo will float), material selection in engineering, quality testing of metals, and geological identification of minerals.