Density Calculator
Calculate density, mass, or volume instantly. Convert between kg/m³, g/cm³, and lb/ft³. Includes comprehensive material densities for Zambian mining, farming, and construction.
Density Calculator
Select what you want to find. Leave the unknown field empty and click Calculate.
| Mass | Mass Unit |
| Volume | Volume Unit |
| Density | Density Unit |
Convert between common density units.
- 1,000 kg/m³ = 1 g/cm³ = 62.43 lb/ft³
- Water density: 1,000 kg/m³ (at 4°C)
- Copper density: 8,960 kg/m³
- To convert kg/m³ to g/cm³: divide by 1,000
Reference densities for common materials in Zambia. All values in kg/m³.
Metals & Mining (Zambian Context)
| Material | Density (kg/m³) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copper (pure) | 8,960 | Zambia’s primary export mineral |
| Copper Ore (chalcopyrite) | 4,150 – 4,250 | Typical grade in Copperbelt mines |
| Cobalt | 8,900 | By-product of copper mining |
| Iron Ore | 5,000 – 5,200 | Found in various Zambian deposits |
| Gold | 19,320 | Mined in Zambia’s gold belts |
| Aluminium | 2,700 | Used in construction and manufacturing |
| Lead | 11,340 | Often found with zinc deposits |
Agricultural Products
| Material | Density (kg/m³) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maize (shelled, bulk) | 720 – 780 | Standard for grain storage calculations |
| Maize (in cob) | 400 – 500 | Less dense due to air gaps |
| Wheat | 770 – 800 | Winter crop in Zambia |
| Soybeans | 700 – 750 | Important rotation crop |
| Groundnuts (shelled) | 600 – 650 | Popular legume |
| Rice (paddy) | 560 – 600 | Grown in wetland areas |
| Cassava (fresh roots) | 600 – 700 | Staple food crop |
| Fertilizer (D-Compound) | 900 – 1,000 | Bagged fertilizer density |
Construction Materials
| Material | Density (kg/m³) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete (reinforced) | 2,400 – 2,500 | Standard structural concrete |
| Concrete (plain) | 2,200 – 2,400 | Without steel reinforcement |
| Cement (Portland) | 1,200 – 1,400 | Bulk cement density |
| Sand (dry, loose) | 1,500 – 1,600 | River sand commonly used |
| Sand (wet) | 1,800 – 2,000 | Heavier when saturated |
| Gravel / Crushed Stone | 1,600 – 1,800 | For concrete mixing |
| Clay Bricks | 1,800 – 2,000 | Standard Zambian bricks |
| Timber (hardwood) | 700 – 900 | Mukwa, Mulombwa, etc. |
| Timber (softwood) | 400 – 600 | Pine, commonly used |
| Steel | 7,850 | Reinforcement bars |
Liquids & Fuels
| Material | Density (kg/m³) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water (fresh) | 1,000 | At 4°C, standard reference |
| Diesel Fuel | 820 – 850 | For generators and vehicles |
| Petrol (Gasoline) | 720 – 770 | Lighter than diesel |
| Paraffin (Kerosene) | 780 – 810 | Household lighting fuel |
| Vegetable Oil | 910 – 930 | Cooking oil |
| Milk | 1,020 – 1,040 | Slightly denser than water |
What is density?
Density is the mass of a substance per unit volume. It tells you how tightly packed the matter is. The formula is:
- Density = Mass ÷ Volume
- Mass = Density × Volume
- Volume = Mass ÷ Density
What are the units of density?
Common density units include:
- kg/m³ (kilograms per cubic meter) — standard SI unit
- g/cm³ (grams per cubic centimeter) — common in science
- lb/ft³ (pounds per cubic foot) — imperial unit
To convert: 1 g/cm³ = 1,000 kg/m³ = 62.43 lb/ft³
What is the density of water?
Water has a density of 1,000 kg/m³ (or 1 g/cm³) at 4°C. This is the standard reference point. Seawater is slightly denser at about 1,025 kg/m³ due to dissolved salts.
What is the density of copper?
Pure copper has a density of 8,960 kg/m³ (8.96 g/cm³). This is why copper is so heavy — it’s nearly 9 times denser than water. Copper ore (before processing) is less dense, typically 4,150–4,250 kg/m³.
How do I calculate the weight of a concrete slab?
First calculate the volume: Length × Width × Thickness. Then multiply by concrete density (typically 2,400 kg/m³ for reinforced concrete).
Volume = 5 × 4 × 0.15 = 3 m³
Weight = 3 m³ × 2,400 kg/m³ = 7,200 kg (7.2 tonnes)
How much maize can fit in a 5,000-liter tank?
Shelled maize has a bulk density of about 750 kg/m³. Since 5,000 liters = 5 m³:
Mass = 5 m³ × 750 kg/m³ = 3,750 kg (about 75 bags of 50kg each).
Why does density matter in mining?
In Zambian copper mining, density is crucial for:
- Estimating ore reserves in the ground
- Calculating haulage truck loads
- Designing storage bins and silos
- Separating minerals using density differences (gravity separation)
What is bulk density vs. true density?
True density is the density of the solid material itself (no air gaps). Bulk density includes the air spaces between particles. For example:
- Maize grain true density: ~1,300 kg/m³
- Maize bulk density (in a bin): ~750 kg/m³
For storage and transport calculations, always use bulk density.
How do I measure density experimentally?
For a solid object:
- Weigh the object to get its mass
- Measure its volume (by water displacement for irregular shapes, or calculate geometrically for regular shapes)
- Density = Mass ÷ Volume
Understanding Density
Density is a fundamental physical property that describes how much mass is contained in a given volume. It’s essential for:
- Mining: Estimating ore reserves, designing haulage systems, and mineral processing
- Construction: Calculating material weights for structural design and transport
- Agriculture: Grain storage capacity, fertilizer application rates, and silo design
- Engineering: Material selection, buoyancy calculations, and fluid mechanics
- Science Education: Understanding matter properties and Archimedes’ principle
Density = Mass ÷ Volume
Mass = Density × Volume
Volume = Mass ÷ Density
Remember: “M over D and V” — Mass is on top, Density and Volume are on the bottom.
Why Density Matters in Zambia
Zambia’s economy relies heavily on copper mining, agriculture, and construction — all sectors where density calculations are critical:
- Copper Mining: The Copperbelt produces millions of tonnes of ore annually. Accurate density measurements are essential for reserve estimation and processing plant design.
- Grain Storage: With maize as the staple crop, farmers need to know how much grain their silos and tanks can hold. Bulk density determines storage capacity.
- Construction: Concrete, bricks, and steel densities affect structural loads, foundation design, and transport logistics.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides mathematical density calculations based on the values you enter. Material densities can vary based on temperature, pressure, moisture content, and composition. For engineering and commercial applications, always use verified material specifications and consult qualified professionals.