Solve density = mass / volume for whichever value you are missing. Choose what you want to find, enter the two values you know (or pick a material to auto-fill its density), and get an instant, unit-converted answer.
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Reference data
Standard material densities at room temperature (approx 20 degrees Celsius) and normal atmospheric pressure.
1. What Do You Want to Find?
2. Enter Your Values
kg/m3
kg
m3
Your Result
Density
-
kg/m3
Density (g/cm3)
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Also equals kg/L
Relative Density
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Compared to water
Floats or Sinks in Water
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Assumes fresh water
Calculation Breakdown
Formula used-
Density-
Mass-
Volume-
Result-
Unit Conversions
Density in kg/m3-
Density in g/cm3-
Density in g/mL-
Density in kg/L-
Summary:Enter your values above.
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.
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.
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