Convert between different density units with our free online calculator. Perfect for engineering, materials science, and scientific applications.
Common density conversions
| From | To | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 Kilograms per Cubic Meter (kg/m³) | 1.0000 Grams per Cubic Centimeter (g/cm³) | Water at 4°C |
| 7.85 Grams per Cubic Centimeter (g/cm³) | 490.0600 Pounds per Cubic Foot (lb/ft³) | Steel |
| 62.4 Pounds per Cubic Foot (lb/ft³) | 999.5900 Kilograms per Cubic Meter (kg/m³) | Water at room temperature |
| 2.7 Grams per Cubic Centimeter (g/cm³) | 0.0975 Pounds per Cubic Inch (lb/in³) | Aluminum |
Engineers use density values when selecting materials for applications where weight is a critical factor, such as aerospace or automotive design.
Manufacturers measure density to verify material composition and detect impurities or inconsistencies in production processes.
Naval architects and marine engineers use density to calculate buoyancy forces and design floating structures.
Scientists and engineers use fluid density values in calculations for flow rates, pressure drops, and mixing behavior in pipes and process equipment.
Density is a physical property of matter that describes how much mass is contained in a given volume. It is calculated as mass divided by volume and is a key characteristic used to identify materials and determine how they will behave in various conditions.
Density is an absolute measure of mass per unit volume (e.g., kg/m³), while specific gravity is a relative measure comparing a material's density to that of water (typically at 4°C). Specific gravity is dimensionless, and for water it equals 1.0.
To convert from grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) to kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³), multiply the g/cm³ value by 1000. For example, 2.5 g/cm³ equals 2500 kg/m³.
Materials have different densities due to variations in their atomic or molecular structure. Factors include the mass of the atoms, how closely they're packed together, and the strength of the bonds between them. These differences explain why some materials float on water while others sink.
For most materials, density decreases as temperature increases because thermal expansion causes the volume to increase while the mass remains constant. Water is a notable exception between 0°C and 4°C, where it actually becomes more dense as it warms, reaching maximum density at 4°C.