Density Converter - Free Online Tool

Free online density unit converter with 4+ supported units and conversion table.

🌊 Density Converter

Select your units from the lists below

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From Unit

Kilogram per Cubic Meter
Symbol: kg/m³

Gram per Cubic Centimeter
Symbol: g/cm³

Pound per Cubic Foot
Symbol: lb/ft³

Pound per Cubic Inch
Symbol: lb/in³

To Unit

Kilogram per Cubic Meter
Symbol: kg/m³

Gram per Cubic Centimeter
Symbol: g/cm³

Pound per Cubic Foot
Symbol: lb/ft³

Pound per Cubic Inch
Symbol: lb/in³

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🌊 Density Converter

Density measurements appear in materials science, engineering, and quality control. Convert between kilograms per cubic meter, grams per cubic centimeter, pounds per cubic foot, and other density units instantly. Whether you're working with materials, analyzing substances, or conducting scientific research, our converter handles the math.

🌊 About Density

Density measures the mass of a substance per unit volume—how much matter is packed into a given space. In the International System of Units (SI), density is measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³), defined as mass divided by volume. From materials science and engineering to chemistry and many scientific fields, density measurements are used everywhere. Different systems are used globally. The metric system (kilograms per cubic meter, grams per cubic centimeter) dominates global science and most countries, while the imperial system (pounds per cubic foot) remains common in the United States for some applications. Working with all these units helps with international collaboration, material specification, and scientific research.

Understanding Density Measurement

Density is a physical property representing the mass of a substance per unit volume, calculated as density equals mass divided by volume (ρ = m/V). In the International System of Units (SI), density is measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³), a derived unit combining the base units of mass (kilogram) and volume (cubic meter). Since density is derived from base units (kilogram, meter) that are now defined by fundamental constants, the kilogram per cubic meter inherits precision and reproducibility. Water has a density of approximately 1,000 kg/m³ at standard conditions, serving as a common reference. The gram per cubic centimeter, equal to 1,000 kg/m³, is commonly used in chemistry and materials science for its convenient scale.

📜 History & Context

The history of density measurement dates back to ancient times, with the most famous story involving Archimedes in the 3rd century BCE. According to legend, King Hiero II asked Archimedes to determine whether a crown was pure gold or adulterated with silver without damaging it. Archimedes realized that by measuring the volume of water displaced when the crown was submerged, he could calculate its density and identify impurities. The principle of buoyancy he discovered—that an object displaces its own volume of fluid—remains fundamental to density measurement today. The modern era of density measurement began with the development of the metric system in late 18th-century France. Initially, the gram was defined as the mass of one cubic centimeter of water at its maximum density (about 4°C), making density measurement central to the metric system's foundation. The kilogram per cubic meter became the standard SI unit for density with the formal adoption of the International System of Units in 1960. As the kilogram was redefined using the Planck constant in 2019, density measurements gained even greater precision and reproducibility.

✨ Fun Facts

• Archimedes is credited with discovering the principle of buoyancy around 250 BCE, famously shouting "Eureka!" when he realized that water displacement could be used to measure the volume of irregular objects and calculate density.
• Water has a density of approximately 1,000 kilograms per cubic meter at standard conditions, serving as a fundamental reference point for density measurements.
• The Schiehallion experiment in 1774 used gravitational deflection to estimate Earth's mean density, achieving results within about 20% of modern values.
• Henry Cavendish's 1797-1798 experiment calculated Earth's density as about 5.48 times that of water, remarkably close to the modern value of approximately 5.52.
• Aerogels, some of the least dense solid materials, can have densities as low as 1 kilogram per cubic meter—about 1,000 times less dense than water.

💡 Real-World Examples

• Materials science: Material selection and characterization measure density in various units. Converting between units helps with international standards and material property databases.
• Quality control: Manufacturing processes measure material density to ensure product quality and detect impurities. Converting between units helps with international standards.
• Chemical analysis: Laboratory measurements determine substance purity and concentration using density. Converting between units helps with reporting and international collaboration.
• Construction and engineering: Building materials and structural components are specified by density. Converting between units helps with international projects and standards.
• Food and beverage industry: Product quality and composition are monitored using density measurements. Converting between units helps with international trade and regulatory compliance.
• Petroleum industry: Crude oil density (API gravity) affects pricing and transport. Converting between units helps with international trade and industry standards.
• Geotechnical engineering: Soil and concrete compaction are measured using density. Converting between units helps with construction projects and international standards.
• Aerospace engineering: Lightweight materials are selected based on density measurements. Converting between units helps with international aircraft design and performance analysis.

🔧 Common Applications

• Materials science and engineering: Material selection, characterization, and quality control measure density in various units. Converting between units helps with international standards and research collaboration.
• Chemical and pharmaceutical industries: Purity analysis, concentration measurement, and quality assurance use density measurements. Converting between units helps with international standards and regulatory compliance.
• Construction and civil engineering: Building materials, soil compaction, and structural design measure density in different units. Converting between units helps with international projects and standards.
• Food and beverage industry: Product quality, composition analysis, and regulatory compliance measure density in various units. Converting between units helps with international trade and standards.
• Environmental and earth sciences: Water quality, soil analysis, and geological studies measure density in different units. Converting between units helps with international research and environmental monitoring.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

+ How do I convert grams per cubic centimeter to pounds per cubic inch?

To convert g/cm³ to lb/in³, multiply the g/cm³ value by 0.0361273. For example, 1 g/cm³ equals approximately 0.0361 lb/in³, and 2.7 g/cm³ (aluminum density) equals approximately 0.0975 lb/in³.

+ What is density and how is it calculated?

Density is mass per unit volume, calculated as density = mass ÷ volume. Common units include grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³), kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³), and pounds per cubic inch (lb/in³). Water has a density of approximately 1 g/cm³ or 1,000 kg/m³.

+ How do I convert kilograms per cubic meter to pounds per cubic foot?

To convert kg/m³ to lb/ft³, multiply the kg/m³ value by 0.062428. For example, 1,000 kg/m³ equals approximately 62.43 lb/ft³, and 2,700 kg/m³ (aluminum) equals approximately 168.6 lb/ft³.

+ What is the density of water in different units?

Water has a density of approximately 1 g/cm³, 1,000 kg/m³, 62.43 lb/ft³, or 0.0361 lb/in³ at standard temperature and pressure (4°C). These values are commonly used as reference points for density comparisons.

+ How do I convert pounds per cubic foot to kilograms per cubic meter?

To convert lb/ft³ to kg/m³, multiply the lb/ft³ value by 16.0185. For example, 62.43 lb/ft³ (water) equals approximately 1,000 kg/m³, and 100 lb/ft³ equals approximately 1,601.85 kg/m³.