Density Converter ⚖️
Free online density converter. Convert kg/m³ to g/cm³, lb/ft³, g/L and 29+ density units instantly. Includes kg/m3 to g/cm3 calculator with formulas.
📐 Conversion Formula
Common Density Conversions
| From | To | Multiply by | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kg/m³ | g/cm³ | 0.001 | 1000 kg/m³ = 1 g/cm³ |
| 1 g/cm³ | kg/m³ | 1,000 | 2.5 g/cm³ = 2,500 kg/m³ |
| 1 lb/ft³ | kg/m³ | 16.0185 | 50 lb/ft³ = 800.9 kg/m³ |
| 1 kg/m³ | lb/ft³ | 0.062428 | 1000 kg/m³ = 62.4 lb/ft³ |
| 1 g/L | kg/m³ | 1 | 100 g/L = 100 kg/m³ |
| 1 g/mL | g/cm³ | 1 | 1 g/mL = 1 g/cm³ |
| 1 kg/L | g/cm³ | 1 | 1 kg/L = 1 g/cm³ |
| 1 lb/gal (US) | kg/m³ | 119.826 | 10 lb/gal = 1,198 kg/m³ |
Quick Density Conversions
kg/m³ to g/cm³
÷ 1,000
1000 kg/m³ = 1 g/cm³
g/cm³ to kg/m³
× 1,000
1 g/cm³ = 1000 kg/m³
lb/ft³ to kg/m³
× 16.0185
1 lb/ft³ = 16.02 kg/m³
g/L = kg/m³
Same Unit
1 g/L = 1 kg/m³
Converter Performance Metrics
How to Use Density Converter
Step 1: Enter Density Value
Type the density value you want to convert in the "From" field. The converter accepts any positive or negative number including decimals. For example, enter 1000 for 1000 kg/m³ or 2.5 for 2.5 g/cm³ depending on your selected unit.
Step 2: Select Source Unit
Choose the unit of your input density from the "From" dropdown. Options include kg/m³, g/cm³, lb/ft³, g/L and 29+ other density units. Select the unit that matches your material specification or measurement.
Step 3: Select Target Unit
Pick the unit you want to convert to from the "To" dropdown. The conversion happens automatically in real-time as you change units. The formula used for conversion is displayed below for educational reference.
Step 4: Use Results
View the converted result in the "To" field. Click Copy to copy the result to clipboard, Swap to reverse conversion direction, or Reset to start over. All calculations are instant and accurate for engineering applications.
Understanding Density Units
What is Density?
Density is mass per unit volume of a substance, measured in kg/m³ (SI) or g/cm³ (CGS). Density determines whether objects float or sink—objects less dense than water float. Temperature affects density; most substances become less dense when heated. Density is intensive property—doesn't depend on amount of material.
Fundamental Formula: \( \rho = \frac{m}{V} \) where \( \rho \) is density, \( m \) is mass, \( V \) is volume. Key conversions: \( 1 \text{ g/cm}^3 = 1,000 \text{ kg/m}^3 = 62.43 \text{ lb/ft}^3 \), \( 1 \text{ lb/ft}^3 = 16.02 \text{ kg/m}^3 \). Water density: ~1 g/cm³ or 1000 kg/m³ at 4°C. Common materials: aluminum 2.7 g/cm³, iron 7.87 g/cm³, lead 11.34 g/cm³, gold 19.3 g/cm³.
Common Density Units Explained
Kilogram per cubic meter (kg/m³): SI unit of density. Standard for scientific and engineering work worldwide. Water = ~1000 kg/m³, air = ~1.2 kg/m³, concrete = ~2400 kg/m³. Large numbers sometimes inconvenient but consistent with SI system. Used in material specifications and technical documents.
Gram per cubic centimeter (g/cm³): CGS unit numerically equal to g/mL. Most convenient for everyday materials—water = 1 g/cm³, easy reference point. Common in chemistry, material science, and geology. Relationship: 1 g/cm³ = 1000 kg/m³. Easier to work with than kg/m³ for small objects or laboratory measurements.
Pound per cubic foot (lb/ft³): Imperial/US unit common in USA construction and engineering. Concrete = ~150 lb/ft³, wood varies 20-50 lb/ft³, water = 62.4 lb/ft³. Used for material weight calculations, structural loads, and shipping. Conversion: 1 lb/ft³ = 16.02 kg/m³.
Common Use Cases
🏗️ Construction & Engineering
Convert material densities for structural calculations, load estimations, and weight analysis. Concrete, steel, wood densities vary by type. Essential for foundation design, beam sizing, and understanding material properties. Calculate building loads, material quantities, and shipping weights.
🔬 Chemistry & Materials Science
Convert densities for substance identification, purity testing, and experimental work. Density measurements help identify unknown materials. Essential for quality control, chemical analysis, and research. Understanding density critical for separation techniques and material characterization.
🌊 Fluid Mechanics
Convert liquid and gas densities for buoyancy calculations, flow analysis, and pressure calculations. Water, oil, air densities vary with temperature. Essential for hydraulic systems, pump sizing, and understanding fluid behavior. Critical in naval architecture and aerospace engineering.
📦 Shipping & Logistics
Calculate package weights from volume and density. Understand cargo weight limits, container capacities, and freight costs. Different materials require different handling—high density items need stronger containers. Essential for warehouse management and transportation planning.
🪨 Geology & Mining
Convert rock and mineral densities for geological analysis and resource estimation. Density helps identify minerals, assess ore quality, and calculate reserves. Different rocks have characteristic densities—granite ~2.7 g/cm³, limestone ~2.7 g/cm³, iron ore ~5 g/cm³. Critical for mining operations.
🎓 Education & Science
Students convert densities for physics experiments, chemistry labs, and homework problems. Understanding density fundamental to science education. Calculate whether objects float or sink, identify unknown substances, and analyze experimental data. Essential for developing scientific literacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert kg/m³ to g/cm³?
+To convert kg/m³ to g/cm³, divide by 1,000. Formula: \( \text{g/cm}^3 = \frac{\text{kg/m}^3}{1000} \). Example: 1000 kg/m³ ÷ 1,000 = 1 g/cm³. This conversion works because 1 m³ = 1,000,000 cm³ and 1 kg = 1,000 g. The factors cancel to give 1/1000. Water density conveniently 1 g/cm³ = 1000 kg/m³.
How do I convert g/cm³ to kg/m³?
+To convert g/cm³ to kg/m³, multiply by 1,000. Formula: \( \text{kg/m}^3 = \text{g/cm}^3 \times 1000 \). Example: 2.5 g/cm³ × 1,000 = 2,500 kg/m³. Aluminum density 2.7 g/cm³ = 2,700 kg/m³. Iron 7.87 g/cm³ = 7,870 kg/m³. Simple conversion makes material comparisons easy across different unit systems.
How do I convert lb/ft³ to kg/m³?
+To convert lb/ft³ to kg/m³, multiply by 16.0185. Formula: \( \text{kg/m}^3 = \text{lb/ft}^3 \times 16.0185 \). Example: 50 lb/ft³ × 16.0185 = 800.9 kg/m³. Concrete ~150 lb/ft³ = ~2,400 kg/m³. Water 62.4 lb/ft³ = 1,000 kg/m³. Essential for converting US construction specs to metric system.
What is the density of water?
+Water density is 1 g/cm³ = 1 g/mL = 1,000 kg/m³ = 62.4 lb/ft³ at 4°C (maximum density). At room temperature (~20°C), water ~0.998 g/cm³. Convenient reference: objects denser than 1 g/cm³ sink in water, less dense float. Ice ~0.92 g/cm³ (floats). Saltwater ~1.025 g/cm³ (easier to float in).
Is g/mL the same as g/cm³?
+Yes, g/mL and g/cm³ are identical units. Since 1 mL = 1 cm³, densities expressed in either unit have same numerical value. Water = 1 g/mL = 1 g/cm³. Chemistry often uses g/mL for liquids, physics uses g/cm³ for any material. Both equal to 1,000 kg/m³. Convenient for laboratory measurements.
Why does density matter?
+Density determines buoyancy (float/sink), material identification, quality control, structural loads, and shipping costs. Low density materials (foam, plastic) used where weight matters. High density materials (metals) needed for strength. Density separates substances (oil floats on water). Essential property for engineering, science, and everyday applications.