Complete Guide to Density Calculations
Density quantifies how much mass occupies a given volume, creating a fundamental property that distinguishes materials and governs physical behavior. This calculator helps you find density, mass, or volume using the density formula.
Key Takeaways
- Density formula: ρ = m/V (mass ÷ volume)
- Water density = 1.00 g/cm³ at 4°C
- Objects denser than water sink; less dense float
- Supports SI (g/cm³, kg/m³) and Imperial (lb/ft³) units
Understanding the Density Formula
Density equals mass divided by volume, expressed in various unit combinations:
Formula
ρ = m/V (density = mass ÷ volume)
SI Units
kg/m³, g/cm³, or g/mL
Imperial Units
lb/ft³ or lb/gal
How to Use This Calculator
Calculate Density
Enter mass and volume values with their units
Calculate Mass
Enter density and volume to find mass
Calculate Volume
Enter mass and density to find volume
Real-World Applications
Material Identification
Identify unknown materials by their density
Quality Control
Verify purity of substances in manufacturing
Buoyancy Calculations
Determine if objects will float or sink
Engineering Design
Calculate weights for structural applications
Common Density Values
Water has a density of 1.00 g/cm³ at 4°C. Materials denser than water (>1 g/cm³) sink, while less dense materials (<1 g/cm³) float. For example, gold is 19.3 g/cm³, aluminum is 2.70 g/cm³, and wood varies from 0.4–0.9 g/cm³.