Density Calculator
Work out density from mass and volume, or find the mass or volume when you know the density, in kg/m³, g/cm³ and lb/ft³, with typical densities to compare.
Density
2,000 kg/m³
- In g/cm³
- 2 g/cm³
- In lb/ft³
- 124.86 lb/ft³
500 g in 250 cm³ is 2,000 kg/m³ (2 g/cm³), so it sinks in fresh water.
How it's worked out
- Density
mass ÷ volume = 0.5 kg ÷ 0.00025 m³2,000 kg/m³
Typical densities
| Material | kg/m³ | g/cm³ |
|---|---|---|
| Air (sea level) | 1.2 | 0.0012 |
| Petrol | 740 | 0.74 |
| Cooking oil | 920 | 0.92 |
| Ice | 917 | 0.917 |
| Water | 1,000 | 1.00 |
| Concrete | 2,400 | 2.4 |
| Aluminium | 2,700 | 2.7 |
| Steel | 7,850 | 7.85 |
| Copper | 8,960 | 8.96 |
| Gold | 19,300 | 19.3 |
The formula
ρ = m ÷ V · m = ρ × V · V = m ÷ ρ
Examples
500 g in 250 cm³ is 2 g/cm³, or 2,000 kg/m³, so it sinks in water. Two litres of steel at 7,850 kg/m³ weighs 15.7 kg.
Questions people ask
What is the formula for density?
Density = mass ÷ volume. Rearranged, mass = density × volume and volume = mass ÷ density.
How do I convert g/cm³ to kg/m³?
Multiply by 1,000. Water is 1 g/cm³, which is 1,000 kg/m³.
Will it float?
An object floats in fresh water if its density is below 1,000 kg/m³ and sinks if it is above. Sea water is a little denser, about 1,025 kg/m³.
About this calculator
Formula and rules last checked 25 October 2026Written and tested by the CalculatorDex teamReport a problem