Density, mass and volume
Calculate mass density, mass, or volume using compatible metric units.
ρ = m / V Calculated quantities
ρ - mass density · m - mass · V - volume
Physics formulas
Measurements and matter
Calculate density, mass, volume, and other measurable properties used to describe matter.
Formulas and calculators
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How to choose the right formula
Density, mass and volume
ρ = m / V - When to use it
- Mass density is the mass of a sample divided by the volume it occupies.
- Calculated quantities
- ρ - mass density (kg/m³) · m - mass (kg) · V - volume (m³)
- Worked example: Density of a metal sample
- A sample has a mass of 2.7 kg and a volume of 0.001 m³. Find its density.
What to check before calculating
Assumptions and conditions
- The card calculates mass density, not number density, relative density, or weight density.
- Mass and volume describe the same sample under the same conditions.
- Density and volume must be greater than zero when used as divisors.
- For materials that expand or compress, density depends on temperature and pressure.
Common mistakes
- Confusing mass density with weight density or relative density.
- Mixing litres, cubic centimetres, and cubic metres without conversion.
- Using mass and volume measured for different samples.
- Ignoring the temperature or pressure at which a tabulated density applies.