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What is Density?

Density is a measure of how compact a substance is, defined as mass per unit volume (ρ = m/V). Objects with a density greater than water will sink, while those with lower density will float. Density is a unique characteristic of substances (for example, pure gold has a specific density).

Density Formula

ρ = m / VFormula: m = ρ × V | V = m / ρ

Variables:

  • ρDensity (rho)
    Density (rho)(e.g.: kg/m³ or g/cm³)
  • mMass of the object
    Mass of the object(e.g.: kg, grams)
  • VVolume of the object
    Volume of the object(e.g.: m³, cm³, liters)

Categories:

Water1000 kg/m³ or 1 g/cm³
Iron~7800 kg/m³
Gold19300 kg/m³
Air~1.2 kg/m³

How to Use the KalkuLab Density Calculator

Calculate density, mass, or volume quickly using ρ = m/V. Follow these steps:

  1. 1

    Select Mode

    Choose whether to find Density (ρ), Mass (m), or Volume (V).

  2. 2

    Enter Data

    Enter the object's mass and volume in consistent units.

  3. 3

    Calculate

    Get the density result instantly.

  4. 4

    Convert Units

    Pay attention to units (kg/m³ vs g/cm³). 1 g/cm³ = 1000 kg/m³.

Examples

Metal Identification

Problem:

A metal sample weighs 50 g and has a volume of 2.59 cm³. What metal is this?

Solution:
  1. 1.ρ = m / V
  2. 2.ρ = 50 / 2.59
Result:19.3 g/cm³

This is most likely gold.

Wooden Block Volume

Problem:

Mass is 2 kg and density is 800 kg/m³.

Solution:
  1. 1.V = m / ρ
  2. 2.V = 2 / 800
  3. 3.V = 0.0025 m³
Result:2.5 liters

The volume of the wooden block is 2.5 liters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can an iron ship float?
Because the ship has large air cavities, so the average density of the entire ship is less than water.
What is the effect of temperature on density?
Generally, heating makes objects expand (volume increases), so density decreases. Water is an exception between 0–4°C (the water anomaly).
How do you convert g/cm³ to kg/m³?
Multiply by 1000. Example: 1 g/cm³ = 1000 kg/m³.

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Weight Calculator

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Pressure Calculator

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References