Calculate density from mass and volume, or solve for any variable in ρ = m/V. Material identification with 12-material comparison scale.
Density is mass divided by volume: ρ = m/V. This calculator solves for any of the three variables—density, mass, or volume—given the other two. It is the go-to tool for material identification, quality control, and physics homework.
Enter mass in kg, grams, pounds, or ounces, and volume in m³, cm³, liters, mL, in³, or ft³. The calculator instantly returns density in kg/m³ and g/cm³, specific gravity, the closest matching material from a 12-material database, and whether the object would float or sink in water.
The density scale visual shows exactly where your sample falls among common materials, making it easy to identify unknown samples or verify material specifications. The comparison table extends this further by showing what mass the same volume would have in every reference material. Check the example with realistic values before reporting. Use the steps shown to verify rounding and units. Cross-check this output using a known reference case. Use the example pattern when troubleshooting unexpected results.
Material identification by density is one of the simplest and most reliable non-destructive tests. It requires only a scale and a way to measure volume.
This calculator makes the process instant: enter your measurements, get density, and the automatic material match tells you what you likely have. The 12-material comparison table and density scale visual make it easy to interpret results and communicate findings.
Density: ρ = m / V. Mass: m = ρ × V. Volume: V = m / ρ. Specific Gravity: SG = ρ / ρ_water (ρ_water = 1000 kg/m³ at 4 °C).
Result: 8,500 kg/m³ (8.50 g/cm³)
ρ = 0.850 kg / 0.0001 m³ = 8,500 kg/m³ = 8.50 g/cm³. Closest material: Copper (8,960 kg/m³). SG = 8.50.
A common lab procedure: 1. Weigh the sample on a precision balance → mass m 2. Fill a graduated cylinder partly with water, record V₁ 3. Submerge the sample, record V₂. Volume = V₂ − V₁ 4. Calculate ρ = m / (V₂ − V₁) 5. Compare ρ to reference tables
This method can distinguish steel (7,850) from titanium (4,507), aluminum (2,700) from magnesium (1,738), and detect counterfeit coins or jewelry.
| Material | Density (kg/m³) | g/cm³ | |---|---|---| | Air (STP) | 1.225 | 0.001 | | Cork | 120–240 | 0.12–0.24 | | Water (4 °C) | 999.97 | 1.000 | | Aluminum 6061 | 2,710 | 2.71 | | Steel (mild) | 7,850 | 7.85 | | Copper | 8,960 | 8.96 | | Lead | 11,340 | 11.34 | | Gold | 19,320 | 19.32 |
Use water displacement: submerge the object in a graduated cylinder and record the volume change. This is Archimedes' method.
Most metals differ by > 5% in density, so ±2% accuracy is sufficient. For distinguishing alloy grades, ±0.5% or better is needed.
Common reasons: trapped air pockets (lowers apparent density), measurement errors in volume, temperature effects, or the material is an alloy not matching a pure reference. Use this as a practical reminder before finalizing the result.
Osmium at 22,590 kg/m³ is the densest natural element. Among common metals, gold (19,320) and lead (11,340) are the densest encountered in everyday applications.
This gives bulk density (mass/total volume including air gaps). True particle density requires gas pycnometry or liquid displacement of individual grains.
Yes—most materials expand when heated, lowering density. Water is unusual: its maximum density occurs at 4 °C (999.97 kg/m³).