Density Calculator
Calculate Density values for science, physics, chemistry, and engineering problems.
This density calculator finds density, mass, or volume - solving the formula density = mass / volume for whichever value you're missing, based on the two you already know.
Enter any two of density, mass, and volume, and the calculator solves for the third.
Worked Calculation Examples
| Scenario | Result | Calculation Step |
|---|---|---|
| Mass 500g, volume 200 cm³ | 2.5 g/cm³ | Density = 500 ÷ 200 = 2.5 g/cm³. |
| Density 0.92 g/cm³ (ice), mass 184g, find volume | 200 cm³ | Volume = Mass ÷ Density = 184 ÷ 0.92 = 200 cm³. |
The Density Formula
Density = mass / volume. Rearranged, mass = density x volume, and volume = mass / density. Density is typically expressed in units like g/cm^3, kg/m^3, or g/mL, and describes how tightly matter is packed into a given space.
Why Density Determines Floating and Sinking
An object floats in a fluid if its density is less than the fluid's density, and sinks if its density is greater - this is why ice (less dense than liquid water) floats, while a rock (denser than water) sinks, regardless of the object's actual size or mass alone.
How to Use the Density Calculator
- Open the Density Calculator and enter the values requested in the input fields.
- Check the units, percentages, dates, or time periods before reading the answer.
- Review the instant result and adjust any value to compare another scenario.
- Use the formula, example, and FAQs below to understand how the density calculator works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate density?
Divide mass by volume: density = mass / volume, commonly expressed in units like g/cm^3 or kg/m^3.
How do you find volume if you know density and mass?
Rearrange the formula: volume = mass / density.
Why does ice float on water?
Ice is less dense than liquid water (water expands slightly when it freezes), so any object less dense than the fluid it's placed in will float, regardless of its overall mass.
How do I use this density calculator?
Enter the known values, review the units or settings, and the calculator updates the result instantly. The formula and example on this page show how the answer is produced.
What does the Density Calculator calculate?
Calculate Density values for science, physics, chemistry, and engineering problems. It is designed for fast browser-based calculations without sign-up, downloads, or manual spreadsheet setup.
What formula does this density use?
The formula is: ρ = m ÷ V. According to legend, Archimedes discovered the principle behind density measurement around 250 BCE while stepping into a bath and noticing the water level rise, realizing he could determine whether a king's crown was pure gold by comparing its density to known gold density - reportedly shouting 'Eureka!' ('I have found it') and running through the streets, an anecdote historians treat as embellished but which nonetheless illustrates a genuinely ancient understanding of density as mass per unit volume.
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Last updated: September 27, 2026.