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Material Density Lookup

Searchable database of 30+ engineering materials with density in kg/m³, g/cm³, lb/ft³, and lb/in³

Reviewed by Christopher FloiedUpdated

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

60 materials — click a row to see all unit conversions
MaterialCategorykg/m³g/cm³lb/ft³lb/in³
Aluminum (pure)Metal27002.700168.5550.09754
Aluminum 6061-T6Metal27002.700168.5550.09754
Aluminum 7075-T6Metal28102.810175.4220.10152
BerylliumMetal18501.850115.4920.06684
Brass C26000Metal85308.530532.5100.30817
Bronze (phosphor)Metal88008.800549.3660.31792
Carbon Steel 1020Metal78707.870491.3080.28432
Carbon Steel 1045Metal78707.870491.3080.28432
Cast Iron (gray)Metal72007.200449.4810.26012
ChromiumMetal71907.190448.8570.25976
Copper C11000Metal89408.940558.1050.32298
GoldMetal1932019.3201206.1070.69798
Inconel 718Metal81908.190511.2850.29588
Iron (pure)Metal78747.874491.5570.28447
LeadMetal1134011.340707.9320.40968
Magnesium AZ31BMetal17701.770110.4970.06395
MolybdenumMetal1022010.220638.0130.36922
Nickel 200Metal89088.908556.1080.32182
PlatinumMetal2145021.4501339.0780.77493
SilverMetal1049010.490654.8690.37898
Stainless Steel 304Metal80008.000499.4230.28902
Stainless Steel 316Metal80008.000499.4230.28902
TinMetal73107.310456.3480.26409
Titanium Ti-6Al-4VMetal44304.430276.5560.16004
TungstenMetal1930019.3001204.8580.69726
ZincMetal71337.133445.2980.25770
ABSPolymer10501.05065.5490.03793
Epoxy (cured)Polymer12001.20074.9130.04335
HDPEPolymer9600.96059.9310.03468
LDPEPolymer9200.92057.4340.03324
Nylon 6Polymer11301.13070.5440.04082
Nylon 6/6Polymer11401.14071.1680.04119
Polycarbonate (PC)Polymer12001.20074.9130.04335
Polyethylene (PE)Polymer9400.94058.6820.03396
PTFE (Teflon)Polymer22002.200137.3410.07948
PVC (rigid)Polymer13801.38086.1510.04986
Polypropylene (PP)Polymer9000.90056.1850.03251
Polystyrene (PS)Polymer10501.05065.5490.03793
PEEKPolymer13201.32082.4050.04769
Alumina (Al₂O₃)Ceramic39003.900243.4690.14090
Borosilicate GlassCeramic22302.230139.2140.08056
Concrete (plain)Ceramic24002.400149.8270.08671
DiamondCeramic35153.515219.4340.12699
GraphiteCeramic22002.200137.3410.07948
Silicon Carbide (SiC)Ceramic31003.100193.5260.11199
Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄)Ceramic32003.200199.7690.11561
Soda-Lime GlassCeramic25002.500156.0700.09032
Carbon Fiber Composite (CFRP)Composite16001.60099.8850.05780
Glass Fiber Composite (GFRP)Composite19001.900118.6130.06864
Kevlar CompositeComposite13801.38086.1510.04986
Wood (pine, avg)Composite5300.53033.0870.01915
Balsa WoodComposite1200.1207.4910.00434
Air (at 20°C, 1 atm)Fluid10.0010.0750.00004
Water (at 20°C)Fluid9980.99862.3030.03606
SeawaterFluid10251.02563.9890.03703
EthanolFluid7890.78949.2560.02850
GasolineFluid7200.72044.9480.02601
SAE 30 Motor OilFluid8800.88054.9370.03179
MercuryFluid1360013.600849.0190.49133
GlycerolFluid12601.26078.6590.04552

How to Use This Calculator

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

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References & Further Reading