Density Converter

Convert density between kg/m³, g/cm³, lb/ft³, g/L, and other density units with scientific precision.

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Density Units Explained

Kilogram/Cubic Meter (kg/m³)

The SI unit of density. It represents the mass per unit volume. ρ = m / V.

Common uses: International standards, scientific research, engineering calculations, material properties.

Gram/Cubic Centimeter (g/cm³)

Density in CGS units. 1 g/cm³ = 1000 kg/m³. Commonly used in chemistry and material science.

Note: Water has a density of approximately 1 g/cm³ at 4°C (maximum density).

Gram/Liter (g/L)

Density using metric volume units. 1 g/L = 1 kg/m³. Used in chemistry and laboratory work.

Common uses: Solution concentrations, fluid properties, chemical analysis.

Pound/Cubic Foot (lb/ft³)

Density in US customary units. 1 lb/ft³ ≈ 16.018 kg/m³.

Common uses: US engineering, construction materials, HVAC design.

Pound/Cubic Inch (lb/in³)

Density for very dense materials. 1 lb/in³ ≈ 27679.9 kg/m³. Used for metals and dense substances.

Common uses: Metallic materials, aerospace, precision engineering.

Density Calculation

Density is defined as mass per unit volume: ρ = m / V

  • ρ: Density (kg/m³)
  • m: Mass (kilograms)
  • V: Volume (cubic meters)

Typical Material Densities (at 20°C)

  • Air: 1.20 kg/m³
  • Water: 998 kg/m³ (at 20°C)
  • Aluminum: 2700 kg/m³
  • Iron: 7874 kg/m³
  • Copper: 8960 kg/m³
  • Lead: 11340 kg/m³
  • Gold: 19300 kg/m³
  • Wood (pine): 500-600 kg/m³
  • Concrete: 2400 kg/m³
  • Glass: 2500 kg/m³

Specific Gravity

Specific gravity is the ratio of a substance's density to the density of water at 4°C: SG = ρ_substance / ρ_water

  • SG = 1: Substance has same density as water
  • SG > 1: Substance sinks in water (denser than water)
  • SG < 1: Substance floats in water (less dense than water)

Temperature and Pressure Dependence

Density varies significantly with temperature and pressure:

  • Solids: Small changes with temperature (thermal expansion)
  • Liquids: Moderate changes with temperature
  • Gases: Large changes with both temperature and pressure
  • Water anomaly: Maximum density at ~4°C, less dense as ice at 0°C

Important: Always reference conditions when using density data.

Common Applications

Density calculations are essential in:

  • Materials Science: Material selection and characterization
  • Fluid Mechanics: Buoyancy, flotation, mixing
  • Chemistry: Solution concentrations, reaction stoichiometry
  • Engineering: Weight calculations, structural design
  • Geology: Rock and mineral identification
  • Aerospace: Weight optimization, center of gravity
  • Environmental Science: Pollutant concentrations, water quality