Technical data · Mass and materials

Metal density

Compare common metal densities, convert units and use a value directly in the metal weight calculator.

Created Jul 20, 2026v1.0

By Thibaut Grzelak, Mechanical Analysis Engineer

● Mass and materials

Metal density table

Material	Density	Relative density	Action
Carbon steelSteels and cast iron	7,850 kg/m³	7.85	Use
Stainless steelSteels and cast iron	8,000 kg/m³	8	Use
Cast ironSteels and cast iron	7,200 kg/m³	7.2	Use
AluminiumLight metals	2,700 kg/m³	2.7	Use
MagnesiumLight metals	1,740 kg/m³	1.74	Use
CopperCopper alloys	8,960 kg/m³	8.96	Use
BrassCopper alloys	8,500 kg/m³	8.5	Use
BronzeCopper alloys	8,800 kg/m³	8.8	Use
TitaniumOther metals	4,500 kg/m³	4.5	Use
ZincOther metals	7,140 kg/m³	7.14	Use
LeadOther metals	11,340 kg/m³	11.34	Use
NickelOther metals	8,900 kg/m³	8.9	Use
TinOther metals	7,310 kg/m³	7.31	Use
TungstenOther metals	19,250 kg/m³	19.25	Use
SilverOther metals	10,490 kg/m³	10.49	Use
GoldOther metals	19,320 kg/m³	19.32	Use

Understand material densityDefinition, units, conversions and worked exampleOpen ↓

Definition

Density ρ is the ratio between a material’s mass m and the volume V it occupies.

ρ = m / V

Useful conversions

1 g/cm³ = 1 000 kg/m³

1 kg/m³ ≈ 0.062428 lb/ft³

Aluminium example

A 0.01 m³ volume of common aluminium has an estimated mass of 2,700 × 0.01 = 27 kg.

Indicative values at room temperature. Consult the material data sheet for contractual calculations.

Using the table correctly

From density to the weight of a part

The table provides a consistent starting value. The calculator then combines density with section area, length and quantity.

Choose the material

Select the family, then confirm that the value matches the intended grade.

Calculate volume

Volume is net section area multiplied by part length.

Obtain mass

Mass is calculated using m = ρV, without intermediate rounding.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the density of steel?

The commonly used value for carbon steel is 7,850 kg/m³. The actual value varies slightly with grade.

What is the difference between density and relative density?

Density has a unit. Relative density compares the material with water and is dimensionless.

Why do values vary between sources?

Alloy composition, temperature and measurement method explain differences. The material data sheet takes priority.

Tube mass and self-weight: worked example

One piece: 25.303 kg. Self-weight per individual tube: 0.041356 kN/m. Do not add it twice to a beam load.