Density Mass Volume Calculator
This calculator solves the density equation for whichever value you need: density equals mass divided by volume. Choose whether you want to find density, mass or volume, then enter the two figures you already know. If you are working out density, you can either type in your own mass and volume, or pick from a built-in list of over 20 common materials, from air and petrol through to concrete, steel, copper, lead and gold, to auto-fill a typical density. The result appears as your main answer in the expected unit (kilograms, cubic metres or kg/m3), alongside the same density converted to g/cm3, its relative density (specific gravity) compared with fresh water, and a plain floats-or-sinks verdict for that value in water. A calculation breakdown shows the formula used and each of the three values, and a separate table lists the density in kg/m3, g/cm3, g/mL and kg/L, so you can quote whichever unit your assignment, trade job or product specification calls for. It is useful for schoolwork, checking a material's identity from a weigh-and-displace test, estimating the weight of a slab or block before you lift it, or converting between metric density units. The built-in material figures are approximate values at room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure, so confirm the exact density of your specific material with a manufacturer's data sheet.
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2. Enter Your Values
Calculation Breakdown
Unit Conversions
The Density, Mass and Volume Formula
Density describes how much mass is packed into a given amount of space. The relationship between the three quantities is density = mass divided by volume, often written as the Greek letter rho (ρ) equals m over V. This can be rearranged to solve for any one of the three values as long as you know the other two: mass equals density multiplied by volume, and volume equals mass divided by density. This calculator lets you choose which value you are solving for and enter the two you already know.
Worked Example
Suppose you have a concrete block with a volume of 0.1 cubic metres (m3) and you want to know its mass. Concrete has a typical density of 2,400 kg/m3. Using mass = density x volume: mass = 2,400 kg/m3 x 0.1 m3 = 240 kg. This calculator defaults to these exact values (solving for density from a mass of 240 kg and a volume of 0.1 m3), returning a density of 2,400 kg/m3, which equals 2.4 g/cm3, a relative density of 2.4 (meaning it is 2.4 times denser than water), and confirms the block would sink in water.
Common Material Densities
| Material | Density (kg/m3) | Density (g/cm3) |
|---|---|---|
| Air (at sea level, 20 C) | 1.225 | 0.001225 |
| Petrol | 800 | 0.80 |
| Ice | 920 | 0.92 |
| Fresh water | 1,000 | 1.00 |
| Seawater | 1,025 | 1.025 |
| Pine (dry) | 700 | 0.70 |
| Concrete | 2,400 | 2.40 |
| Aluminium | 2,700 | 2.70 |
| Iron | 7,870 | 7.87 |
| Steel (mild) | 7,850 | 7.85 |
| Copper | 8,960 | 8.96 |
| Lead | 11,340 | 11.34 |
| Gold | 19,300 | 19.30 |
Understanding Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
Relative density, also called specific gravity, compares a material's density to that of fresh water at 1,000 kg/m3 (1.00 g/cm3). A relative density greater than 1 means the material is denser than water and will sink; a relative density less than 1 means it is less dense and will float. This is a quick way to gauge buoyancy without needing to run a full displacement test, and it is why the calculator shows both the raw density figures and this water-relative comparison alongside a simple floats-or-sinks verdict.
How to Measure Density in Practice
- Weigh the object on a scale to find its mass.
- For regular shapes (cubes, cylinders, spheres), measure the dimensions and calculate volume using the relevant geometry formula.
- For irregular shapes, submerge the object fully in a measuring cylinder of water and record the rise in water level; that volume of displaced water equals the object's volume.
- Divide the mass by the volume to get density, keeping your units consistent (grams and cubic centimetres, or kilograms and cubic metres).
Density is not constant for every material under all conditions. Gases in particular change density significantly with temperature and pressure, while liquids and solids change much less. The values in this calculator's material list are approximate and represent typical conditions near room temperature and standard atmospheric pressure.
Related Calculators
- Science and Engineering Calculators: the full hub of maths, physics and engineering tools.
- Density Calculator: a simpler density = mass / volume solver.
- Density Converter: convert density values between units.
- Volume Calculator: work out the volume of common shapes.
- Metal Weight Calculator: mass of metal stock from dimensions and alloy.
- Air Density Calculator: density of air at a given altitude, temperature and pressure.
Sources: Standard material density reference values from the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). Density of water at standard temperature (Bureau International des Poids et Mesures, BIPM).
This calculator provides general reference figures for common materials. Actual densities vary with temperature, pressure, purity, moisture content and manufacturing process. For engineering or trade applications, confirm the exact density of your specific material or product with the manufacturer's data sheet.