Density Calculator
Density Calculator
Calculate density, mass, or volume using ρ = m/V formula with material identification
Density Calculator: Complete Physics Guide
Density is the amount of mass per unit volume of a substance, expressed as ρ = m/V.This fundamental physical property helps identify materials, predict buoyancy behavior, and solve engineering problems involving mass-volume relationships.
Our professional density calculator handles all density-related calculations including material identification, specific gravity determination, unit conversions, and buoyancy analysis for physics, chemistry, engineering, and materials science applications.
Quick Answer
To calculate density: Use ρ = m/V where ρ is density, m is mass, and V is volume. For example, a 100g object with 50cm³ volume has density = 100g ÷ 50cm³ = 2.0 g/cm³. This would be denser than water (1.0 g/cm³) and would sink.
Mathematical Foundation
Density formula where ρ (rho) is density, m is mass, and V is volume
Derived Formulas:
Mass Calculation
m = ρ × V. Calculate mass when density and volume are known. Essential for material quantity estimation and load calculations.
Volume Calculation
V = m/ρ. Calculate volume when mass and density are known. Useful for container sizing and space planning.
Specific Gravity
SG = ρ/ρ_water. Dimensionless ratio comparing material density to water density (1.0 g/cm³). Values > 1 sink in water, values < 1 float.
Material Density Ranges
Common Material Densities (g/cm³)
Gases (at STP)
Liquids
Solids
Metals
Precious Metals
Others
Applications of Density Calculations
Engineering & Construction
Structural Design
Calculate load capacities, material weights, and structural integrity requirements
Material Selection
Choose appropriate materials based on strength-to-weight ratios and density requirements
Fluid Mechanics
Design pumping systems, pipeline calculations, and fluid flow analysis
Science & Industry
Quality Control
Verify material composition, detect impurities, and ensure manufacturing standards
Geology & Mining
Identify minerals, estimate ore reserves, and analyze rock compositions
Environmental Science
Analyze soil composition, water quality assessment, and pollution monitoring
Example Problems with Solutions
Example 1: Material Identification
A metal sample has mass 270g and volume 100cm³. Identify the material.
Answer: Material is aluminum (density = 2.7 g/cm³)
Example 2: Buoyancy Analysis
Will a wooden block (density 0.6 g/cm³) float in water?
Answer: Yes, it floats with 60% submerged
Example 3: Mass Calculation
What is the mass of a steel beam with volume 0.5 m³?
Answer: Mass = 3925 kg (3.925 tonnes)
Units and Conversions
Common Density Units
Conversion Factors
Density Measurement Techniques
Direct Methods
- Mass and Volume: Weigh sample, measure dimensions
- Water Displacement: Measure volume by liquid displacement
- Pycnometry: Precise volume measurement using calibrated containers
Instrumental Methods
- Hydrometers: Direct density reading for liquids
- Digital densimeters: Electronic density measurement
- Gas pycnometry: Helium displacement for precise measurements
Related Physics Tools
Density Calculator
Calculate density, mass, or volume using ρ = m/V formula with material identification