Density Calculator
Solve the density equation for density, mass or volume — given any two of the three, the calculator returns the third.
How to use the Density Calculator
- Enter your inputs into the Density Calculator above.
- Results update instantly as you type — no submit button needed.
- Adjust any value to see how the result changes in real time.
The density equation
ρ = m / V · · · m = ρ × V · · · V = m / ρ
ρ is density (typically kg/m³, g/cm³ or lb/ft³), m is mass, V is volume. Density is intrinsic to a material — water is ~1 g/cm³ regardless of how much you have.
Worked example
A 250 g block measuring 5 cm × 4 cm × 2 cm: V = 40 cm³; ρ = 250/40 = 6.25 g/cm³. (For reference: water 1.0, aluminum 2.7, iron 7.87, lead 11.34, gold 19.32 g/cm³.)
Frequently asked questions
How do you measure density of an irregular object?
Use water displacement: submerge in a graduated cylinder, measure volume increase. Combined with the object's mass on a scale, calculate density.
What is specific gravity?
The ratio of a substance's density to water's density. Water = 1.0. Substances with SG < 1 float (oil, wood); SG > 1 sink (iron, gold).
Does temperature affect density?
Yes. Most materials expand when heated, decreasing density. Water is unusual — it's densest at 4°C and expands when frozen, which is why ice floats.