Density Calculator
Choose what to find and enter the other two values to apply density = mass ÷ volume.
What this tool does
Density is mass divided by volume: ρ = m ÷ V. A 500 g object with a volume of 250 cm³ has a density of 2 g/cm³, which is 2,000 kg/m³. Choose what you want to find, enter the other two values, and read the result in several units.
Rearranges density = mass ÷ volume to find density, mass or volume.
Converts the answer into other common units.
How to use it
- Choose what to solve for.
- Enter the two values you know (grams, cm³, g/cm³).
- Read the answer and the conversions.
- Use the converters for other units.
Why use this calculator
Solves density = mass ÷ volume for whichever of the three you leave unknown, in grams and cubic centimetres. Density links the mass and volume of a material and is used to identify substances, check purity, size containers and convert between weight and volume.
Why we built it
We built the density calculator to solve for density, mass or volume and show the answer in g/cm³, kg/m³ and lb/ft³. For ingredient-specific conversions use the ml to grams converter, and for solids use the volume calculator.
If your task goes further, try the Ideal Gas Law Calculator, the Half-Life Calculator and the Percent Error Calculator.
Who this tool is for
- Students in physics and chemistry
- Makers and cooks converting between mass and volume
- Anyone checking whether an object will float
When to use it
- Science homework.
- Finding the mass of a liquid in a container.
- Checking if an object will float.
- Material and packaging calculations.
How it works
Density = mass ÷ volume, so mass = density × volume and volume = mass ÷ density. In grams and cm³ the density comes out in g/cm³. Water is about 1 g/cm³ (1,000 kg/m³); an object denser than that sinks in water.
Example: 500 g in 250 cm³ gives 2 g/cm³, or 2,000 kg/m³, or about 124.9 lb/ft³. A 100 cm³ block with a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (about aluminium) has a mass of 270 g.
A worked example
These are the values the calculator opens with, so you can see exactly what it does with them. Change any value on the page and the result updates; the figures below come from the same calculation.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Solve for | Density |
| Mass | 500 |
| Volume | 250 |
| Density | 2 |
With those inputs, the calculator returns:
- Density: 2 g/cm³
- In kg/m³: 2,000
- In kg/L: 2
- In lb/ft³: 124.856
What you give it, and what you get back
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Solve for | Density, mass or volume. |
| Values | Mass in grams, volume in cm³ (same as mL), density in g/cm³. |
| Output | The answer with conversions to other units. |
Issues you may run into
| What you see | Why it happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Result is far off | Units were mixed (litres vs cm³, kg vs g). | Convert to grams and cm³ first; 1 litre = 1,000 cm³. |
| Zero or negative error | Values must be above zero. | Enter positive numbers. |
| Temperature changes density | Density depends on temperature. | Use values at the same temperature. |
Assumptions and limitations
- Uniform materials.
- Does not account for temperature or pressure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for density?
Density equals mass divided by volume.
How do I convert g/cm³ to kg/m³?
Multiply by 1,000.
What is the density of water?
About 1 g/cm³, or 1,000 kg/m³, at 4 °C.
How do I find mass from density?
Multiply the density by the volume.
How do I find volume from mass and density?
Divide the mass by the density.
Is my data sent anywhere?
No. The calculation runs in your browser and nothing leaves the page.
Sources and accuracy
Density is mass divided by volume as defined in the International System of Units, and the tool rearranges this relationship to solve for any of the three quantities. Mass and volume conversions use NIST conversion factors.
Figures last checked against the source on . Standards and rates can change — if you are relying on this for something that matters, confirm against the source above. Think a figure is wrong or out of date? Send a correction.