Density Calculator
Calculate density, mass, or volume using the fundamental density formula. Perfect for physics, chemistry, and engineering applications.
Calculate Density
Common Materials
Quick Examples
Results
Formula Used
Calculation Steps
Unit Conversions
How to Use the Density Calculator
Calculate density, mass, or volume with these simple steps:
- Select what you want to calculate (density, mass, or volume)
- Enter the known values in the appropriate fields
- Choose the correct units for each measurement
- The calculator will automatically compute the unknown value
- View unit conversions and material comparisons
- Use material presets for common substances
The calculator supports various unit systems including metric, imperial, and scientific units.
Density Formula and Concepts
Basic Formula
Density is calculated using the fundamental formula:
Where:
- ρ (rho) = Density
- m = Mass
- V = Volume
Derived Formulas
- Mass: m = ρ × V
- Volume: V = m / ρ
Key Concepts
- Specific Gravity: Ratio of material density to water density (1000 kg/m³)
- Relative Density: How many times denser than water
- Unit Consistency: All units must be compatible for accurate calculations
Example: Calculating Aluminum Density
Problem: A piece of aluminum has a mass of 270 grams and a volume of 100 cm³. What is its density?
Solution:
- Given: Mass = 270 g, Volume = 100 cm³
- Formula: ρ = m / V
- Calculation: ρ = 270 g / 100 cm³ = 2.7 g/cm³
- Result: The density is 2.7 g/cm³
Verification: This matches the known density of aluminum (2.70 g/cm³), confirming our calculation is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between density and specific gravity?
Density is the mass per unit volume of a substance, while specific gravity is the ratio of a substance's density to the density of water. Specific gravity is dimensionless.
Why do different units give different density values?
Density values change with units because they represent mass per unit volume. For example, water has a density of 1 g/cm³ or 1000 kg/m³ - the same substance, different units.
How does temperature affect density?
Most substances become less dense as temperature increases because they expand. This calculator assumes standard temperature and pressure conditions.