About the Density Calculator
Density is an intrinsic property of a substance that measures the amount of mass contained in a given volume. It's a fundamental concept in physics, chemistry, and engineering. This calculator allows you to solve for density, mass, or volume if you know the other two quantities.
The Density Formula
The relationship between density (ρ), mass (m), and volume (V) is expressed by the formula:
ρ = m / V
From this, we can also derive the formulas for mass and volume:
- m = ρ * V
- V = m / ρ
Units of Density
The standard SI unit for density is kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). However, other units are commonly used:
- Grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³): Often used for solids and liquids. Conveniently, 1 g/cm³ is equal to 1000 kg/m³.
- Pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³): Common in the United States customary system.
Fun Fact: The density of water is approximately 1 g/cm³ or 1000 kg/m³. Objects with a density lower than water will float, while those with a higher density will sink.