Use our Density Calculator to quickly find the density of any material from its mass and volume. Whether you’re working in a lab, studying physics, or analyzing process data, this tool converts between common metric and imperial units and delivers accurate results in seconds.
What is density?
Density describes how much mass is packed into a given volume. It answers a simple question: for a particular size of space, how heavy is the material inside it? In practical terms, density helps you compare substances, predict whether an object will sink or float, and estimate how materials behave in real-world applications such as fluid flow, shipping, and material selection.
The standard formula for density is straightforward: density = mass divided by volume. In SI units, mass is measured in kilograms (kg) and volume in cubic meters (m³), producing density in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). Other common units include grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³), grams per milliliter (g/mL), pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³), and pounds per US gallon (lb/gal).
How to use the Density Calculator
- Enter the mass value and select its unit (kg, g, lb, or oz).
- Enter the volume value and select its unit (m³, L, mL, cm³, ft³, or US gal).
- Choose your preferred output unit for density (kg/m³, g/cm³, g/mL, lb/ft³, or lb/US gal).
- Optionally set the decimal precision to match your reporting needs.
- Click “Calculate Density” to see the result instantly.
Formula and quick example
The core relationship is density = mass ÷ volume. Suppose you have 500 g of a liquid occupying 400 mL. Converting units, that’s 0.5 kg and 0.0004 m³. The density in SI terms is 0.5 ÷ 0.0004 = 1250 kg/m³. Expressed in g/mL, divide by 1000 to get 1.25 g/mL. With our calculator, the conversions happen automatically: just pick your input and output units, and you’re done.
Why density matters
- Material selection: Compare metals, plastics, and composites by weight for structural design.
- Fluid behavior: Estimate buoyancy, mixing, and pumping requirements.
- Quality control: Detect inconsistencies in product batches by spot-checking density.
- Education: Reinforce physics and chemistry fundamentals with real data.
Supported units and conversions
This Density Calculator supports common mass units (kg, g, lb, oz) and volume units (m³, L, mL, cm³, ft³, US gal). Results can be displayed in kg/m³ (SI), g/cm³, g/mL, lb/ft³, or lb/US gal. Behind the scenes, the tool converts your inputs to SI, computes the density, and then converts to your chosen output unit for a consistent, reliable result.
Best practices for accurate results
- Measure mass with a calibrated scale and volume with an appropriate volumetric device.
- Use consistent temperature conditions, as density can change with temperature.
- Choose suitable decimal precision: more for laboratory data, fewer for quick estimates.
- Verify units before calculating to avoid common input mistakes.
Whether you are documenting laboratory findings, sizing equipment, or studying material properties, our Density Calculator offers a simple, accurate, and flexible workflow. Enter your values, pick units, and get a precise density with unit conversions that match your needs.