density converter
Instantly convert density between metric and imperial units, find matching materials, and simulate buoyancy in real-time.
Unit ConvertersClosest Match:
Weight of a 1m³ Cube
How to Use the Density Converter
Seamlessly convert density units, identify materials, toggle scientific notation, and test liquid buoyancy.
Enter Value in Any Unit
Input your known density in any of the four active fields (kg/m³, g/cm³, lb/ft³, or lb/in³). All other units recalculate and update simultaneously in real time.
Toggle Engineering Notation
Switch on the 'Engineering Notation' toggle to view values in exponential scientific format (e.g. 1.2250e+0), ideal for very small gas densities or very large metal densities.
Identify Closest Real Material
Observe the 'Closest Match' card. The system instantly compares your entered density against a physical database of 25 common materials, from helium and wood to steel, gold, and osmium.
Check 1m³ Cube Mass
View the 'Weight of a 1m³ Cube' display to understand the real-world scale and physical heaviness of the substance in kilograms or metric tons.
Simulate Archimedes Buoyancy
Select a reference liquid (Pure Water, Sea Water, or Liquid Mercury) in the interactive tank to visually verify if an object made of this material will float, submerge, or sink.
Copy Complete Material Specs
Click 'Copy Material Data' to export a formatted specification sheet with conversions across all 4 units and the identified closest material to your clipboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Technical principles, unit conversions, and physics fundamentals of material density.
Q:What is the formula to convert between kg/m³ and g/cm³?
The conversion ratio is 1 g/cm³ = 1000 kg/m³. To convert g/cm³ to kg/m³, multiply by 1000 (kg/m³ = g/cm³ × 1000). To convert kg/m³ to g/cm³, divide by 1000 (g/cm³ = kg/m³ / 1000). For example, pure water has a density of 1000 kg/m³, which equals 1.0 g/cm³.
Q:How do you convert metric density (kg/m³) to imperial units (lb/ft³ and lb/in³)?
1 kg/m³ equals approximately 0.062428 lb/ft³, and 1 lb/ft³ equals approximately 16.0185 kg/m³. For cubic inches, 1 lb/in³ = 1728 lb/ft³ ≈ 27,679.9 kg/m³. Pure water (1000 kg/m³) corresponds to roughly 62.43 lb/ft³ and 0.0361 lb/in³.
Q:What is density and how is it defined in physics?
Density (symbolized by the Greek letter ρ, rho) measures mass per unit volume: ρ = m / V. In the International System of Units (SI), the coherent unit is kilogram per cubic meter (kg/m³). It represents how compactly matter is packed within an object.
Q:How does density determine whether an object floats or sinks (Archimedes' Principle)?
According to Archimedes' principle, an object immersed in a fluid experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. If the object's average density is lower than the fluid's density (ρ_object < ρ_fluid), it floats. If it is greater (ρ_object > ρ_fluid), it sinks.
Q:Why does seawater have a higher density than pure freshwater?
Pure water at 4°C has a density of 1000 kg/m³. Seawater contains dissolved mineral salts (averaging ~3.5% salinity), which increases the total mass in the same volume, raising its density to approximately 1025 kg/m³. This provides greater buoyancy for swimmers and ships.
Q:What are the densest and least dense materials on Earth?
The densest naturally occurring element under standard conditions is osmium (~22,590 kg/m³), followed closely by iridium (~22,560 kg/m³) and platinum (~21,450 kg/m³). The least dense gas is hydrogen (~0.0899 kg/m³), followed by helium (~0.1786 kg/m³), while atmospheric air at sea level is approximately 1.225 kg/m³.
Q:How do temperature and pressure affect material density?
As temperature rises, materials typically expand in volume, causing their density to decrease. Conversely, higher pressure compresses matter, increasing its density. Gases are extremely sensitive to temperature and pressure (following the ideal gas law: ρ = P·M / R·T), whereas liquids and solids are relatively incompressible.
- ρ (Rho): Density of the substance.
- m (m): Total mass of the object.
- V (V): Total volume occupied.
- 1000, 62.428, 0.03613: Conversion factors from base unit (g/cm³).
Density converter Table
| Unit | kg/m³ | g/cm³ | g/m³ | kg/cm³ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kg/m³ | 1 | 0.001 | 1,000 | 0.000001 |
| 1 g/cm³ | 1,000 | 1 | 1,000,000 | 0.001 |
| 1 g/m³ | 0.001 | 0.000001 | 1 | 0.000000001 |
| 1 kg/cm³ | 1,000,000 | 1,000 | 1,000,000,000 | 1 |