Volume to Density Calculator

Calculate density from volume and mass, or find any variable when two are known

Calculate Density Properties

Space occupied by the object

Amount of matter in the object

Calculation Results

1.00 kg/m³
Density (ρ)
1.000 kg
Mass (m)
1.0000 m³
Volume (V)
0.001
Specific Gravity
(relative to water)
Less Dense
Than Water
Will float

Formula used: ρ = m/V (Density = Mass ÷ Volume)

Units: Ensure consistent units for accurate results

Material Identification

Very Light Materials

Similar to: Cork (~240 kg/m³), Balsa wood (~160 kg/m³)

Example Calculations

Golf Ball Density

Given: Mass = 45.9 g, Volume = 40.7 cm³

Calculation: ρ = 45.9 g ÷ 40.7 cm³

Result: ρ = 1.13 g/cm³

Analysis: Slightly denser than water, will sink

Aluminum Block

Given: Volume = 0.001 m³, Density = 2700 kg/m³

Calculation: m = 2700 kg/m³ × 0.001 m³

Result: m = 2.7 kg

Analysis: Typical aluminum density, lightweight metal

Common Material Densities

MaterialDensity
Air1.2 kg/m³
Cork240 kg/m³
Ice917 kg/m³
Water1,000 kg/m³
Concrete2,400 kg/m³
Aluminum2,700 kg/m³
Steel7,850 kg/m³
Lead11,340 kg/m³
Gold19,300 kg/m³

Unit Conversion Tips

Volume

1 m³ = 1,000 L = 1,000,000 cm³

1 ft³ = 28.317 L = 7.481 gal (US)

Mass

1 kg = 1,000 g = 2.205 lb

1 ton = 1,000 kg = 2,205 lb

Density

1 g/cm³ = 1,000 kg/m³

1 lb/ft³ = 16.018 kg/m³

Density Formula

Basic Formula

ρ = m/V

Density = Mass ÷ Volume

Rearranged

m = ρ × V

V = m ÷ ρ

Specific Gravity

SG = ρ/ρ_water

Relative to water density

Understanding Density Calculations

What is Density?

Density is a fundamental physical property that describes how much mass is packed into a given volume of space. It's calculated using the simple formula ρ = m/V, where ρ (rho) is density, m is mass, and V is volume.

Key Concepts

  • Higher density = more mass in same volume
  • Density helps identify materials
  • Temperature affects density (thermal expansion)
  • Pressure can change density (especially gases)

Practical Applications

Density calculations are essential in many fields, from material science to engineering design. Understanding density helps determine if objects will float or sink, identify unknown materials, and design efficient structures.

Measurement Tips

Volume: Use graduated cylinders, calipers, or water displacement
Mass: Use precise digital scales for accuracy
Units: Keep units consistent throughout calculations
Temperature: Note temperature for temperature-sensitive materials

Density in Different States

Solids

Generally highest density due to tightly packed atoms. Examples: metals, rocks, ceramics.

Liquids

Moderate density with some atomic movement. Examples: water, oils, liquid metals.

Gases

Lowest density due to widely spaced atoms. Examples: air, steam, natural gas.

Real-World Examples

Material Identification

  • • Jewelers test gold purity using density
  • • Geologists identify minerals and rocks
  • • Quality control in manufacturing
  • • Archaeological artifact analysis

Engineering Applications

  • • Ship design and buoyancy calculations
  • • Aircraft weight distribution
  • • Concrete mix design optimization
  • • Oil and gas separation processes