Density Calculator guide
Density Calculator: Mass, Volume and Density
Use our density calculator to work out density from mass and volume, or find the mass or volume, with a table of common materials.
By the AllCalculator editorial teamUpdated 16 October 20261 min read
Density tells you how much mass is packed into a space. It's why a block of steel is much heavier than the same size block of wood. Our Density Calculator works out density, mass or volume.
How to use the calculator (Density Calculator)
- Choose what to find: density, mass or volume.
- Enter the other two values and choose their units.
The formula
Density = mass ÷ volume (ρ = m ÷ V)
Rearranged:
- Mass = density × volume
- Volume = mass ÷ density
Densities of common materials
| Material | kg/m³ | g/cm³ |
|---|---|---|
| Air | 1.2 | 0.0012 |
| Ice | 917 | 0.917 |
| Water | 1,000 | 1.0 |
| Concrete | 2,400 | 2.4 |
| Aluminium | 2,700 | 2.7 |
| Steel | 7,850 | 7.85 |
| Gold | 19,300 | 19.3 |
A worked example
With the calculator's default settings, an object with a mass of 5kg and a volume of 2 litres has a density of 5 ÷ 0.002 = 2,500 kg/m³, close to glass. It would sink in water.
Frequently asked questions
Why does ice float?
Ice is less dense than water (917 kg/m³ compared with 1,000), which is unusual: most solids are denser than their liquids.
What's the difference between kg/m³ and g/cm³?
1 g/cm³ = 1,000 kg/m³. Water is 1 g/cm³.
What's specific gravity?
The density of a substance compared with water. Steel's specific gravity is about 7.85.
For mass from weight or force, use our Mass Calculator.
Sources and further reading
Links open official and independent websites in a new tab.
This guide is general information to help you understand your options. It isn't financial, tax, legal or building advice and doesn't take your personal circumstances into account. Figures were checked when the guide was last updated and can change, so confirm anything important with GOV.UK, HMRC, a regulated adviser or a qualified tradesperson.