Find density, mass or volume from the other two with this free density calculator. Mix units freely (g, kg, lb, mL, L, cm³, m³) and see whether your object would float in water and which common material it is closest to.
Density formula
Worked example
A metal block has a mass of 270 g and a volume of 100 cm³. Its density is 270 ÷ 100 = 2.70 g/cm³, which matches aluminium. For irregular objects, find the volume by water displacement: the rise in water level in a measuring cylinder equals the object’s volume.
Densities of common materials (g/cm³)
| Material | Density | Material | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 1.00 | Aluminium | 2.70 |
| Ice | 0.917 | Steel | 7.85 |
| Pine wood | ≈ 0.50 | Copper | 8.96 |
| Olive oil | 0.92 | Lead | 11.34 |
| Glass | ≈ 2.5 | Gold | 19.32 |
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate density?
Divide mass by volume: ρ = m / V. A 270 g object with a volume of 100 cm³ has a density of 2.7 g/cm³.
What are the units of density?
The SI unit is kg/m³, but g/cm³ and g/mL (which are equal) are common in chemistry. 1 g/cm³ = 1000 kg/m³.
How do I find mass from density and volume?
Multiply: m = ρ × V. Leave the mass box empty and enter density and volume, and the calculator does it with unit conversion.
Will my object float?
An object floats in water if its average density is less than 1 g/cm³. The calculator tells you whether it sinks or floats and the closest common material.
Related tools
Free educational tool by HawkInc. Results are calculated in your browser and rounded for display; check critical work by hand or with a second method.