Material Density Calculator & Specific Gravity Chart
Calculate material mass by volume, or look up exact densities and specific gravities for metals, woods, plastics, and liquids.
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100% Local Processing. Your dimensional and material queries are processed entirely within your browser. No data is sent to external servers.
Material Specs & Volume
1. Select Material
2. Enter Volume to Find Mass
How to Use the Material Density Calculator
- Select the material category (e.g., Metals, Woods, Plastics).
- Select the specific material (e.g., Steel, Mild). The density is automatically loaded into the engine.
- Enter the known volume (e.g., in cubic meters or cubic feet).
- The calculator instantly displays the total mass (weight) in kilograms and pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is specific gravity?
Specific gravity is the ratio of a material's density compared to the density of water at 4 degrees Celsius (1000 kg/m³). It is a dimensionless unit.
What is the density of mild steel?
Mild steel typically has a density of approximately 7,850 kg/m³, which is about 490 lb/ft³. Its specific gravity is 7.85.
What is the density of aluminum?
Aluminum is much lighter than steel, with a density of roughly 2,700 kg/m³ (168 lb/ft³) and a specific gravity of 2.7.
How do you calculate mass from density and volume?
Mass is calculated by multiplying the material's density by its volume (Mass = Density × Volume). Make sure your units match (e.g., kg/m³ and m³).
Why does wood density vary?
Wood density varies significantly depending on the species and the moisture content. The values provided in this calculator are averages for dried lumber.
What is the heaviest commonly used metal?
Lead is one of the heaviest common metals, with a density of 11,340 kg/m³. Tungsten and gold are even heavier, at over 19,000 kg/m³.
Will an object float in water?
If an object has a specific gravity of less than 1.0 (like most woods or plastics), it will float in water. If it is greater than 1.0 (like metals), it will sink.
How does temperature affect density?
Most materials expand when heated, meaning their volume increases while their mass stays the same, causing their overall density to decrease slightly.
Limitations
The densities listed in the built-in database are standard averages at room temperature (approx. 20°C). Actual material densities can vary based on exact alloy composition, manufacturing processes, moisture content (for woods), and temperature. Always verify critical engineering weights with your material supplier.
Data Privacy & Security
This Material Density Calculator runs entirely in your web browser. No queries or engineering specifications are sent to any external servers, ensuring complete privacy for your proprietary designs.