Density Calculator - Calculate Density, Mass, Volume Online

Free online density calculator. Calculate density from mass and volume, find mass from density and volume, or determine volume. Includes common material densities.

9 min read

Density Calculator

Free online density calculator. Calculate density from mass and volume, find mass from density and volume, or determine volume. Includes common material densities.

iAbout This Calculator

The Density Calculator is an essential physics tool that helps you solve problems involving mass, volume, and density. Using the fundamental relationship rho = m/V (density equals mass divided by volume), this calculator can find any one of these values when you know the other two. Whether you're a student studying physics, an engineer designing materials, a chemist analyzing substances, or simply curious about why some objects float and others sink, this versatile tool provides accurate results instantly. The calculator includes a comprehensive database of common material densities from air and water to gold and platinum, making it invaluable for real-world applications.

?How to Use

1
Select what you want to calculate from the dropdown: Density, Mass, or Volume. Each option shows the appropriate input fields.
2
For Density calculation: Enter the mass (in kg) and volume (in m3). The calculator will divide mass by volume to find density.
3
For Mass calculation: Enter the density (or select a material) and the volume. The calculator will multiply density by volume.
4
For Volume calculation: Enter the mass and density (or select a material). The calculator will divide mass by density.
5
Click Calculate to see your results with step-by-step breakdown and buoyancy information.

fFormula

\rho = \frac{m}{V}

The density formula states that density (rho) equals mass divided by volume. This can be rearranged to find mass (m = rho x V) or volume (V = m / rho). Density is measured in kg/m3 in SI units, or g/cm3 which equals kg/L. Water has a density of 1000 kg/m3 (or 1 g/cm3), which is the reference for determining if objects float or sink.

rho: Density (kg/m3 or g/cm3)
m: Mass (kg or g)
V: Volume (m3 or cm3)

Examples

Calculating Density of an Object

Inputs: mass: 500, volume: 0.05

10,000 kg/m3

Density = Mass / Volume = 500 kg / 0.05 m3 = 10,000 kg/m3 (similar to silver)

Finding Mass of Gold Bar

Inputs: density: 19320, volume: 0.001

19.32 kg

Mass = Density x Volume = 19,320 kg/m3 x 0.001 m3 = 19.32 kg for a 1-liter gold bar

Volume of Aluminum Block

Inputs: mass: 2.7, density: 2700

0.001 m3 (1 liter)

Volume = Mass / Density = 2.7 kg / 2,700 kg/m3 = 0.001 m3 = 1 liter

Use Cases

Material Identification

Identify unknown materials by measuring their mass and volume, then comparing the calculated density to known material densities.

Engineering Design

Calculate weight of structural components, determine material requirements, and ensure designs meet weight specifications.

Buoyancy Analysis

Determine if objects will float or sink in water or other fluids by comparing densities. Essential for boat design and marine engineering.

Quality Control

Verify material purity and composition in manufacturing by checking if measured density matches expected values.

Chemistry & Physics Education

Solve homework problems and understand the fundamental relationship between mass, volume, and density.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between density and specific gravity?

Density is the mass per unit volume with units (kg/m3 or g/cm3). Specific gravity is the ratio of a substance's density to water's density - it's dimensionless. For example, gold has a density of 19,320 kg/m3 and a specific gravity of 19.32.

Why do some heavy objects float?

Objects float based on average density, not total mass. A large ship floats because its overall density (steel hull plus air inside) is less than water. A small solid steel ball sinks because steel's density (7,850 kg/m3) exceeds water's.

How do I find density of an irregular object?

Use water displacement: Fill a container with water, note the level, submerge the object, note the new level. The difference in water level equals the object's volume. Divide the object's mass by this volume to get density.

What's the densest material on Earth?

Osmium is the densest naturally occurring element at 22,590 kg/m3, slightly denser than iridium (22,560 kg/m3). Both are about twice as dense as lead and over 22 times denser than water.

How does temperature affect density?

Most materials decrease in density when heated due to thermal expansion. Water is unique - it's densest at 4C (1000 kg/m3) and becomes less dense both when heated or cooled from this point, which is why ice floats.

Conclusion

The Density Calculator simplifies fundamental physics calculations that are essential in science, engineering, and everyday life. Understanding density helps explain why ships float, why oil separates from water, and how to identify materials. Whether you're solving physics problems, designing products, or analyzing materials, this tool provides instant accurate calculations with educational breakdowns. The included database of 30+ common material densities makes it practical for real-world applications from metal identification to fluid dynamics.