Material Density Lookup
Searchable database of 30+ engineering materials with density in kg/m³, g/cm³, lb/ft³, and lb/in³
This free online material density lookup provides instant results with no signup required. All calculations run directly in your browser — your data is never sent to a server. Supports both metric (SI) and imperial units with built-in unit selection dropdowns on every input field, so you can work in whatever units your problem provides. Designed for engineering students and professionals working through coursework, design projects, or quick reference calculations.
Material Density Lookup
| Material | Category | kg/m³ | g/cm³ | lb/ft³ | lb/in³ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (pure) | Metal | 2700 | 2.700 | 168.555 | 0.09754 |
| Aluminum 6061-T6 | Metal | 2700 | 2.700 | 168.555 | 0.09754 |
| Aluminum 7075-T6 | Metal | 2810 | 2.810 | 175.422 | 0.10152 |
| Beryllium | Metal | 1850 | 1.850 | 115.492 | 0.06684 |
| Brass C26000 | Metal | 8530 | 8.530 | 532.510 | 0.30817 |
| Bronze (phosphor) | Metal | 8800 | 8.800 | 549.366 | 0.31792 |
| Carbon Steel 1020 | Metal | 7870 | 7.870 | 491.308 | 0.28432 |
| Carbon Steel 1045 | Metal | 7870 | 7.870 | 491.308 | 0.28432 |
| Cast Iron (gray) | Metal | 7200 | 7.200 | 449.481 | 0.26012 |
| Chromium | Metal | 7190 | 7.190 | 448.857 | 0.25976 |
| Copper C11000 | Metal | 8940 | 8.940 | 558.105 | 0.32298 |
| Gold | Metal | 19320 | 19.320 | 1206.107 | 0.69798 |
| Inconel 718 | Metal | 8190 | 8.190 | 511.285 | 0.29588 |
| Iron (pure) | Metal | 7874 | 7.874 | 491.557 | 0.28447 |
| Lead | Metal | 11340 | 11.340 | 707.932 | 0.40968 |
| Magnesium AZ31B | Metal | 1770 | 1.770 | 110.497 | 0.06395 |
| Molybdenum | Metal | 10220 | 10.220 | 638.013 | 0.36922 |
| Nickel 200 | Metal | 8908 | 8.908 | 556.108 | 0.32182 |
| Platinum | Metal | 21450 | 21.450 | 1339.078 | 0.77493 |
| Silver | Metal | 10490 | 10.490 | 654.869 | 0.37898 |
| Stainless Steel 304 | Metal | 8000 | 8.000 | 499.423 | 0.28902 |
| Stainless Steel 316 | Metal | 8000 | 8.000 | 499.423 | 0.28902 |
| Tin | Metal | 7310 | 7.310 | 456.348 | 0.26409 |
| Titanium Ti-6Al-4V | Metal | 4430 | 4.430 | 276.556 | 0.16004 |
| Tungsten | Metal | 19300 | 19.300 | 1204.858 | 0.69726 |
| Zinc | Metal | 7133 | 7.133 | 445.298 | 0.25770 |
| ABS | Polymer | 1050 | 1.050 | 65.549 | 0.03793 |
| Epoxy (cured) | Polymer | 1200 | 1.200 | 74.913 | 0.04335 |
| HDPE | Polymer | 960 | 0.960 | 59.931 | 0.03468 |
| LDPE | Polymer | 920 | 0.920 | 57.434 | 0.03324 |
| Nylon 6 | Polymer | 1130 | 1.130 | 70.544 | 0.04082 |
| Nylon 6/6 | Polymer | 1140 | 1.140 | 71.168 | 0.04119 |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | Polymer | 1200 | 1.200 | 74.913 | 0.04335 |
| Polyethylene (PE) | Polymer | 940 | 0.940 | 58.682 | 0.03396 |
| PTFE (Teflon) | Polymer | 2200 | 2.200 | 137.341 | 0.07948 |
| PVC (rigid) | Polymer | 1380 | 1.380 | 86.151 | 0.04986 |
| Polypropylene (PP) | Polymer | 900 | 0.900 | 56.185 | 0.03251 |
| Polystyrene (PS) | Polymer | 1050 | 1.050 | 65.549 | 0.03793 |
| PEEK | Polymer | 1320 | 1.320 | 82.405 | 0.04769 |
| Alumina (Al₂O₃) | Ceramic | 3900 | 3.900 | 243.469 | 0.14090 |
| Borosilicate Glass | Ceramic | 2230 | 2.230 | 139.214 | 0.08056 |
| Concrete (plain) | Ceramic | 2400 | 2.400 | 149.827 | 0.08671 |
| Diamond | Ceramic | 3515 | 3.515 | 219.434 | 0.12699 |
| Graphite | Ceramic | 2200 | 2.200 | 137.341 | 0.07948 |
| Silicon Carbide (SiC) | Ceramic | 3100 | 3.100 | 193.526 | 0.11199 |
| Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄) | Ceramic | 3200 | 3.200 | 199.769 | 0.11561 |
| Soda-Lime Glass | Ceramic | 2500 | 2.500 | 156.070 | 0.09032 |
| Carbon Fiber Composite (CFRP) | Composite | 1600 | 1.600 | 99.885 | 0.05780 |
| Glass Fiber Composite (GFRP) | Composite | 1900 | 1.900 | 118.613 | 0.06864 |
| Kevlar Composite | Composite | 1380 | 1.380 | 86.151 | 0.04986 |
| Wood (pine, avg) | Composite | 530 | 0.530 | 33.087 | 0.01915 |
| Balsa Wood | Composite | 120 | 0.120 | 7.491 | 0.00434 |
| Air (at 20°C, 1 atm) | Fluid | 1 | 0.001 | 0.075 | 0.00004 |
| Water (at 20°C) | Fluid | 998 | 0.998 | 62.303 | 0.03606 |
| Seawater | Fluid | 1025 | 1.025 | 63.989 | 0.03703 |
| Ethanol | Fluid | 789 | 0.789 | 49.256 | 0.02850 |
| Gasoline | Fluid | 720 | 0.720 | 44.948 | 0.02601 |
| SAE 30 Motor Oil | Fluid | 880 | 0.880 | 54.937 | 0.03179 |
| Mercury | Fluid | 13600 | 13.600 | 849.019 | 0.49133 |
| Glycerol | Fluid | 1260 | 1.260 | 78.659 | 0.04552 |
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your input values
Fill in all required input fields for the Material Density Lookup. Most fields include unit selectors so you can work in your preferred unit system — metric or imperial, whichever matches your problem.
Review your inputs
Double-check that all values are correct and that you have selected the right units for each field. Incorrect units are the most common source of calculation errors and can produce results that are off by factors of 2, 10, or more.
Read the results
The Material Density Lookup instantly computes the output and displays results with units clearly labeled. All calculations happen in your browser — no loading time and no data sent to a server.
Explore parameter sensitivity
Try adjusting individual input values to see how the output changes. This is a quick and effective way to develop intuition about how different parameters influence the result and to identify which inputs have the largest effect.
Formula Reference
Material Density Lookup Formula
See calculator inputs for the governing equation
Variables: All variables and their units are labeled in the calculator interface above. Input fields accept values in multiple unit systems — select your preferred unit from the dropdown next to each field.
When to Use This Calculator
- •Use the Material Density Lookup when solving homework or exam problems that require quick numerical verification of your hand calculations — instant feedback helps identify arithmetic errors before they propagate.
- •Use it during the early design phase to rapidly iterate on parameters and narrow down feasible configurations before committing time to detailed finite element simulations or full design packages.
- •Use it when reviewing a colleague's calculation or checking a vendor's data sheet for plausibility — a quick sanity check can prevent costly downstream errors.
- •Use it to generate reference data for a technical report or presentation without manual computation, ensuring consistent, reproducible numbers throughout the document.
- •Use it in the field when a quick estimate is needed and a full engineering software package is not available.
About This Calculator
The Material Density Lookup is a precision engineering calculation tool designed for students, engineers, and technical professionals. Searchable database of 30+ engineering materials with density in kg/m³, g/cm³, lb/ft³, and lb/in³ All calculations are performed using established engineering formulas from the relevant scientific literature and standards. Inputs support both metric (SI) and imperial unit systems, with unit conversion handled automatically — simply select your preferred unit from the dropdown next to each field. Results are computed instantly in the browser without sending data to a server, ensuring both speed and privacy. This calculator is intended as a supplementary tool for learning and design exploration; always verify results against authoritative references for safety-critical applications.
The Theory Behind It
Material density lookup provides quick access to density values for common engineering materials. Density is mass per unit volume, measured in kg/m³ or g/cm³. Common values: steel 7850 kg/m³, aluminum 2700, copper 8960, stainless steel 8000, titanium 4500, brass 8400, lead 11340, cast iron 7200, magnesium 1740, zinc 7140. Polymers range 900-1500: polyethylene 960, PVC 1300, nylon 1140, PTFE 2200. Glass and ceramics: soda-lime glass 2500, alumina 3800, silicon carbide 3200. Wood: oak 770, pine 510, balsa 160. Concrete: 2400 (normal weight), 1800 (lightweight). Water: 1000 (reference); gasoline 750; mercury 13546. For calculations: weight = density × volume; buoyancy force = ρ_fluid × g × V_displaced; strength-to-weight ratio = yield_stress / density. Density is a first-order design parameter in weight-critical applications (aerospace, transportation) and affects many other calculations (thermal mass, pressure vessel stress, hydrostatic pressure). The calculator provides a searchable database of 30+ common engineering materials with density in multiple units and related properties for material selection and weight calculations.
Real-World Applications
- •Weight calculation: compute the weight of a manufactured part from its volume and material density, essential for shipping, handling, and structural loading.
- •Material substitution analysis: compare the weight impact of replacing steel components with aluminum or composite alternatives in vehicle or aerospace applications.
- •Buoyancy calculations: determine the submerged weight of objects in water for marine engineering and underwater equipment.
- •Concrete mix design: compute aggregate, cement, and water mass per cubic meter of concrete based on densities and volume fractions.
- •Structural loading: convert architectural drawings showing dimensions into load values for structural analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the density of steel?
Carbon steel: 7850 kg/m³ (7.85 g/cm³ or 0.284 lb/in³). Alloy steels are similar: 7700-8100 kg/m³. Stainless steels: 7900-8100. Tool steels: 7700-7900. Cast iron (gray): 7200. Wrought iron: 7700. The small variation reflects differences in alloying elements and microstructure.
Why is water's density 1000 kg/m³?
By historical definition — the kilogram was originally defined as the mass of 1 liter of water at 4°C (where water has its maximum density). The modern SI definition no longer uses water as the reference, but the value remains 1000.000 kg/m³ at 4°C by extraordinary coincidence of historical metrology. Water is still the reference for specific gravity (dimensionless density relative to water).
How does density change with temperature?
Most materials expand with temperature, reducing density. For steel: density decreases by about 0.1% per 100°C. For water: maximum density at 4°C (1000 kg/m³), decreasing at higher and lower temperatures (water expands when frozen into ice at 917 kg/m³). For design calculations at normal operating temperatures, room-temperature density is sufficient; for cryogenic or high-temperature applications, temperature-corrected values should be used.
What's specific gravity?
The ratio of a material's density to water's density at 4°C (1000 kg/m³). Dimensionless, convenient for any unit system. Steel: SG = 7.85. Aluminum: SG = 2.70. Oil: SG = 0.85 (floats on water). Concrete: SG = 2.4. Specific gravity > 1 means the material sinks in water; < 1 means it floats.
What's the lightest engineering material?
Of solid materials: aerogels at 3-150 kg/m³ (about 1-15% of water density). Of common engineering materials: balsa wood 160, foam insulation 30-80, some plastics 900-950. Of structural metals: magnesium 1740 (lightest production metal). Carbon fiber composites: 1500-1900 depending on fiber fraction. Titanium 4500 is relatively light for a metal with high strength.
Related Calculators
Hardness Conversion Calculator
Convert between Rockwell C, Rockwell B, Brinell HB, Vickers HV, and approximate tensile strength using ASTM E140 data
Thermal Expansion Calculator
Calculate linear and volumetric thermal expansion ΔL = α·L₀·ΔT with presets for 10 common engineering materials
Stress-Strain Properties Calculator
Calculate modulus of resilience, approximate toughness, and elastic strain limit from E, σ_y, σ_UTS, and fracture strain
Material Comparison Calculator
Side-by-side comparison of two materials from 15 common engineering materials including density, E, σ_y, σ_UTS, α, k, and more
Creep Life Calculator
Calculate rupture time or allowable stress using the Larson-Miller parameter P = T(C + log₁₀(t_r))
Hooke's Law Calculator
Solve for stress, modulus, or strain using Hooke's Law for normal and shear loading