Material Density Chart in Metric and Imperial Units

Compare engine-sourced densities for metals, woods, plastics, liquids and construction materials, with unit conversions, conditions and practical limits.

Condition-awareMaterials + units
PDF & PNGHigh-res export
Multi-Unitkg/m³ · lb/ft³ · SG

Quick answer

Use the material density chart as a condition-aware reference: fresh water is 1,000 kg/m³, mild steel is 7,850 kg/m³, Aluminum 6061 is 2,700 kg/m³, concrete is 2,400 kg/m³, and White Oak is 755 kg/m³. Grade, temperature, moisture, composition, and manufacturing state can change real values. This page does not certify a material or replace controlled project data.

3/3 free PDF/PNG downloads today
Quick Presets:

Preview & Download

All Materials All Categories

ChartsPrintables.com

Material Density Chart

Metric Units (kg/m³, g/cm³)A4

MaterialStatekg/m³g/cm³SG
Aluminum, 6061Solid2,7002.702.70
Brass, YellowSolid8,4708.478.47
Bronze, CommercialSolid8,8008.808.80
Cast Iron, GraySolid7,1507.157.15
Copper, PureSolid8,9608.968.96
Gold, PureSolid19,32019.3219.32
LeadSolid11,34011.3411.34
MagnesiumSolid1,7401.741.74
NickelSolid8,9008.908.90
PlatinumSolid21,45021.4521.45
SilverSolid10,49010.4910.49
Steel, MildSolid7,8507.857.85
Steel, Stainless 304Solid8,0008.008.00
TitaniumSolid4,5004.504.50
TungstenSolid19,25019.2519.25
ZincSolid7,1407.147.14
Ash, WhiteSolid6700.670.67
BalsaSolid1600.160.16
BambooSolid3500.350.35
Birch, YellowSolid6900.690.69
Cedar, Western RedSolid3800.380.38
Cherry, BlackSolid5600.560.56
EbonySolid1,0501.051.05
Fir, DouglasSolid5300.530.53
HickorySolid8200.820.82
Mahogany, AfricanSolid5300.530.53
Maple, HardSolid7050.700.70
Oak, RedSolid7000.700.70
Oak, WhiteSolid7550.760.76
Pine, WhiteSolid4200.420.42
Pine, YellowSolid6400.640.64
PoplarSolid4500.450.45
TeakSolid6550.660.66
Walnut, BlackSolid6100.610.61
MDFSolid7500.750.75
PlywoodSolid6000.600.60
ABSSolid1,0701.071.07
Acrylic (PMMA)Solid1,1801.181.18
Nylon 6Solid1,1501.151.15
PolycarbonateSolid1,2001.201.20
Polyethylene (HDPE)Solid9500.950.95
Polypropylene (PP)Solid9000.900.90
Polystyrene (PS)Solid1,0501.051.05
PVCSolid1,3801.381.38
Teflon (PTFE)Solid2,2002.202.20
Water, FreshLiquid1,0001.001.00
Water, SeaLiquid1,0251.021.02
AcetoneLiquid7900.790.79
Alcohol, EthanolLiquid7890.790.79
GasolineLiquid7200.720.72
GlycerinLiquid1,2601.261.26
MercuryLiquid13,53413.5313.53
MilkLiquid1,0301.031.03
Oil, CrudeLiquid8700.870.87
Oil, VegetableLiquid9200.920.92
Brick, CommonSolid1,9201.921.92
CementSolid1,5001.501.50
Clay, DrySolid1,6001.601.60
ConcreteSolid2,4002.402.40
Glass, WindowSolid2,5802.582.58
GraniteSolid2,6902.692.69
Gravel, LooseSolid1,5201.521.52
MarbleSolid2,7002.702.70
Sand, DrySolid1,6001.601.60
Sand, WetSolid1,9201.921.92

Note: Values are approximate and can vary by alloy, moisture content, or temperature (std 20°C).

Generated by ChartsPrintables.com • Free to use and share

File Details

Materials

65

Categories

All Categories

0KB

300 DPI

Common reference values in the material density chart

Start with the material name and the condition represented by the row. The material density chart lists fresh water at 1,000 kg/m³, mild steel at 7,850 kg/m³, Aluminum 6061 at 2,700 kg/m³, concrete at 2,400 kg/m³, and White Oak at 755 kg/m³. These are reference values, not universal specifications for every sample sold under a broad material name. Keep exact grade labels such as Aluminum 6061; do not apply that value to all aluminum.

Derived columns come from the same base value. Divide kg/m³ by 1,000 for g/cm³. Multiply kg/m³ by 0.06242796 for lb/ft³. The material density chart therefore shows fresh water as 1.00 g/cm³ and about 62.4 lb/ft³, mild steel as 7.85 g/cm³ and about 490.1 lb/ft³, and Aluminum 6061 as 2.70 g/cm³ and about 168.6 lb/ft³. Display rounding must not be mistaken for a new measured value.

Use the quick rows to locate an order of magnitude or begin a weight estimate. For procurement, structural design, certification, or quality acceptance, replace the material density chart value with current documentation for the exact grade, composition, moisture condition, temperature, and manufacturing state.

Material and stated conditionkg/m³g/cm³lb/ft³Reference note
Water, Fresh1,0001.0062.4Liquid
Steel, Mild7,8507.85490.1Solid
Aluminum, 60612,7002.70168.6Solid
Concrete2,4002.40149.8Solid
Oak, White7550.75547.1Solid

How to read density units without mixing systems

A material density chart expresses mass per volume. In SI work, kg/m³ means kilograms of mass in one cubic meter. The compact unit g/cm³ is numerically one-thousandth of kg/m³, so 2,700 kg/m³ equals 2.70 g/cm³. In US customary work, lb/ft³ expresses pounds per cubic foot. Keep the volume unit attached to every value; pounds per cubic inch and pounds per cubic foot are not interchangeable.

Specific gravity is a ratio rather than a mass-per-volume unit. Here it is approximated from density in g/cm³ relative to water. That shortcut is useful for scanning the material density chart, but rigorous relative-density work must define the reference substance and temperature. Do not treat a rounded SG value as a laboratory result, flotation guarantee, or proof of material identity.

When calculating with the material density chart, choose one coherent unit system before multiplying. A volume in cubic meters pairs with kg/m³. A volume in cubic feet pairs with lb/ft³. Convert the dimensions or the density first; do not multiply metric volume by an imperial density. Write the unit beside each intermediate value so a reviewer can reproduce the path. The material density chart helps with lookup and conversion, while dimensional consistency determines whether the arithmetic is meaningful.

Why material density values vary

Density is not always one timeless number. Metals vary with alloy and manufacturing condition. Wood varies by species, growth, moisture content, and the sample's share of earlywood, latewood, sapwood, or heartwood. Concrete changes with aggregate, mix design, entrained air, reinforcement, and moisture. Liquids respond to temperature and composition. Read each material density chart value with its available condition and treat an unqualified value as representative rather than universal.

Wood values are averages at 12 percent moisture content, while liquid values are stated at 20°C. A wet timber member, a kiln-dried board, and an engineered panel may not share the same density. Seawater, milk, fuel, and oil also vary with composition and condition.

If the exact condition is unknown, use the material density chart for preliminary reference and state the uncertainty. For a consequential decision, obtain a supplier data sheet, approved design value, project specification, or direct test using an appropriate method. Do not tighten a displayed decimal merely because software can show more digits. More digits from the material density chart do not create better provenance, tighter tolerances, or certified accuracy.

Calculate mass or weight from density and volume

The basic relationship is mass = density × volume. If a steel block occupies 0.5 m³ and the working reference is 7,850 kg/m³, the arithmetic estimate is 3,925 kg. A material density chart can supply the reference density, but the volume still needs reliable dimensions and the chosen density must match the actual material. Voids, coatings, fasteners, reinforcement, cavities, and mixed assemblies require separate treatment.

For a water volume of 10 ft³, using about 62.4 lb/ft³ gives an estimated 624 lb. This material density chart example is unit-consistent because cubic feet cancel. It is still a nominal reference: temperature, dissolved material, tank residue, fill level, and measurement quality can change a real load. Distinguish mass calculations from force calculations when a technical standard requires that distinction.

Keep an audit trail: identify the material row, its condition, source units, conversion factors, volume method, rounding point, and safety or load factors supplied by the controlling design process. The material density chart does not choose a design load, capacity, factor of safety, freight limit, or support requirement. Those decisions require qualified professionals using current project data. Use the material density chart to make the arithmetic transparent, then verify the assumptions before action.

Metals, alloys, and grade labels

Broad metal names hide meaningful differences. The material density chart lists mild steel at 7,850 kg/m³, Stainless Steel 304 at 8,000 kg/m³, and Aluminum 6061 at 2,700 kg/m³. Keep those qualifiers instead of collapsing them into one generic steel or aluminum value. Castings, porous products, composites, coatings, and mixed assemblies may need a different reference entirely.

Gold, tungsten, platinum, lead, copper, and silver appear as reference rows, but density alone does not authenticate an object. Different alloys, plated parts, hollow construction, fillers, measurement error, and materials with similar density can produce misleading comparisons. The material density chart must not say that one home measurement proves purity, karat, grade, or authenticity. Professional assay or an appropriate qualified test is a separate task.

For machining, purchasing, transport, or load estimation, record the exact material designation from the drawing, certificate, or supplier. Then compare that source with the material density chart rather than choosing the nearest familiar row. If they disagree, the controlled project document wins. The material density chart remains useful as a plausibility check, an educational reference, and a starting point for non-certified estimates, not as a substitute for material traceability.

Wood density needs a moisture condition

Wood is naturally variable. The wood values are averages at 12 percent moisture content and range from light Balsa at 160 kg/m³ to denser species and products such as White Oak at 755 kg/m³ or MDF at 750 kg/m³. Species names alone do not capture board history, moisture, growth location, defects, adhesive, veneer structure, or treatment.

Use the material density chart to compare approximate categories or estimate a first-pass weight. For a shipment, structure, drying study, or finish schedule, measure moisture where appropriate and use project-approved values. A green timber member may differ substantially from the stated 12-percent reference. Plywood and MDF are engineered products; manufacturer grade and product construction can matter more than a generic family label.

Avoid converting an average into a guarantee about strength, flotation, fastener performance, or allowable load. Density may correlate with some properties in a defined population, but the material density chart does not supply the test method or design values required for those conclusions. Keep the moisture and product caveat beside wood guidance. That makes the material density chart more useful because readers can see both the number and the condition that limits it.

Plastics, liquids, and food references

Plastic density changes with polymer grade, additives, fillers, reinforcement, foaming, and processing. The material density chart includes named families such as ABS, Nylon 6, Polycarbonate, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, and PTFE. Keep the family label, and do not infer food contact, heat resistance, printability, or mechanical performance from density alone. Those claims require product-specific evidence.

Liquid values are stated at 20°C and include fresh water, seawater, acetone, ethanol, gasoline, glycerin, mercury, milk, crude oil, and vegetable oil. Values for gasoline, milk, or oil are representative references, not specifications for every batch. Temperature, composition, and formulation can move the result.

Kitchen ingredients add packing and preparation effects. Flour, sugar, and other powders have bulk density that changes with settling, scooping, sifting, and moisture. Do not use the material density chart to convert a volume recipe into mass unless the ingredient-specific method and condition are suitable for that recipe. The material density chart can explain why volume and mass differ, while the recipe or tested source should provide the actual conversion used.

Construction and loose bulk materials

Concrete, brick, glass, granite, gravel, marble, sand, clay, and cement appear in the material density chart as representative material or bulk values, not structural design values. Loose gravel and sand include void space, so compacted density can differ. Concrete varies with aggregate, reinforcement, moisture, and mix. Brick varies by product and void configuration.

When estimating a truck load or storage volume, distinguish loose, compacted, and in-place conditions. Treat bulk examples as approximate and compare them with a current project-specific source before use. A material density chart cannot determine legal payload, axle loading, foundation capacity, excavation support, or safe lifting arrangements.

Use measured dimensions and a condition-matched density for a first estimate, then apply the process required by the project, carrier, equipment owner, or engineer. Record the source used for each value, especially when a bulk-material reference differs from the main chart. Do not silently mix values. Each number should retain a named material, condition, units, and a clear boundary on how it may be used.

Reference values are not engineering certification

This material density chart is a reference and calculation aid. It does not certify material identity, purity, grade, strength, buoyancy, structural capacity, shipping compliance, food contact, or product safety. It does not replace mill certificates, supplier declarations, approved drawings, codes, calibrated measurements, laboratory reports, or qualified engineering review.

For a consequential workflow, verify four things before using a value: the exact material designation, the relevant condition, the source and revision, and the units. Then verify the volume or sample method independently. If the material density chart and the controlling source differ, stop and resolve the mismatch rather than averaging the values or choosing the one that gives a preferred result.

A practical lookup and review workflow

Begin with the material name and task. Filter the material density chart to the relevant category, choose metric, imperial, or mixed units, and keep the state and specific-gravity columns only when they help. Read the condition note before copying a value. If the target material is not represented by the named grade or condition, do not relabel a nearby row as though it were exact.

Next, perform the calculation with unrounded working values and round once for the required display. Check the unit cancellation and compare the result with a second calculation or known order of magnitude. The material density chart provides converted unit columns to make that cross-check easier. Preserve the source value and conversion factor so another reader can reproduce the answer.

Finally, decide whether a reference estimate is sufficient. Classroom comparison, preliminary planning, and rough logistics may accept a clearly labeled estimate. Procurement, certification, structural design, regulated transport, safety decisions, or quality acceptance normally need controlled evidence and qualified review. Save or print the material density chart as a reference, but attach the authoritative project source when the decision depends on it. This workflow keeps convenience without turning a general material density chart into an unsupported guarantee.

Related Engineering Charts

Complete your engineering reference with these printable guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the density of fresh water?

The material density chart uses 1,000 kg/m³, 1.00 g/cm³, and about 62.4 lb/ft³ for fresh water. Temperature and dissolved material affect real water density, so use a condition-specific source when precision matters.

What density does the chart use for mild steel?

The material density chart lists mild steel at 7,850 kg/m³, equal to 7.85 g/cm³ and about 490.1 lb/ft³ using the stated conversion factor. Other steel grades and products can differ.

How do I convert kg/m³ to g/cm³ or lb/ft³?

Divide kg/m³ by 1,000 for g/cm³. Multiply kg/m³ by 0.06242796 for lb/ft³. Keep enough working digits and round only for display.

Why does wood density vary?

Species, growth, moisture, board history, defects, and engineered-product construction all matter. The material density chart uses wood averages at 12 percent moisture content, not universal values for every board.

Is specific gravity the same as density?

No. Specific gravity is a unitless ratio to a reference density, commonly water under stated conditions. Here, SG is approximated from g/cm³ for convenient comparison; rigorous work must define the reference and temperature.

Can I use these values for engineering certification or material authentication?

No. The material density chart is a reference only. Use current supplier data, controlled specifications, approved design values, qualified testing, and required professional review for certification, acceptance, purity, grade, or safety decisions.