Comprehensive Metal Density Table – Iron, Steel, Brass & Aluminum

The mass of a certain substance per unit volume is referred to as the density of that substance, represented by the symbol “ρ”.

The formula for density is: P=m/v.

This expression is known as the definition of density, meaning the ratio of the object’s mass (m) to its volume (v), referred to as the density (ρ) of the material composing the object.

Engineers frequently need to utilize the property of density during the process of estimating product weight. We provide a reference table for the density of some commonly used metals:

Density Chart for Various Types of Metal and Alloy

Unit conversion：

• 1g/cm³ = 1000 kg/m³
• 1g/cm³ = 0.036 lb/in³
• 1g/cm³ = 62.428 lb/ft³

• Download the PDF file of the metal density table

Density of Metals and Alloys

Absolutely, here’s the complete and uninterrupted list of densities for various metals and alloys as per the “Density Chart for Various Types of Metal and Alloy” on MachineMfg.com:

1. Gray Cast Iron: The density of gray cast iron ranges between 6.6-7.4 g/cm³, or 6600-7400 kg/m³.
2. White Cast Iron: White cast iron has a density of 7.4-7.7 g/cm³, or 7400-7700 kg/m³.
3. Malleable Cast Iron: Malleable cast iron possesses a density of 7.2-7.4 g/cm³, equivalent to 7200-7400 kg/m³.
4. Cast Steel: The density of cast steel is approximately 7.8 g/cm³, or 7800 kg/m³.
5. Industrial Pure Iron: Industrial pure iron features a density of around 7.87 g/cm³, which is 7870 kg/m³.
6. Mild Carbon Steel: Mild carbon steel has a density of 7.85 g/cm³, translating to 7850 kg/m³.
7. High-Quality Carbon Steel: The density for high-quality carbon steel is also 7.85 g/cm³, or 7850 kg/m³.
8. Carbon Tool Steel: Carbon tool steel’s density is 7.85 g/cm³, equivalent to 7850 kg/m³.
9. Free-Cutting Steel: Free-cutting steel has a density of 7.85 g/cm³, or 7850 kg/m³.
10. Manganese Steel: Manganese steel shows a density of 7.81 g/cm³, which is 7810 kg/m³.
11. 15CrA Chromium Steel: This steel type has a density of 7.74 g/cm³, or 7740 kg/m³.
12. 20Cr, 30Cr, 40Cr Chromium Steel: These chromium steels have a density of 7.82 g/cm³, equivalent to 7820 kg/m³.
13. 38CrA Chromium Steel: The density of 38CrA chromium steel is 7.8 g/cm³, or 7800 kg/m³.
14. Chromium Vanadium, Chromium Nickel, Chromium Nickel Molybdenum, Chromium Manganese Steel: These varieties have a density of 7.85 g/cm³, translating to 7850 kg/m³.
15. Silicon, Chromium Manganese Silicon Nickel, Silicon Manganese, Silicon Chromium Steel: These steel types have a density of 7.85 g/cm³, or 7850 kg/m³.
16. Chromium Nickel Tungsten Steel: This steel has a density of 7.8 g/cm³, which is 7800 kg/m³.
17. Chromium Molybdenum Aluminum Steel: The density is 7.65 g/cm³, or 7650 kg/m³.
18. 9% Tungsten High-Speed Tool Steel: This tool steel has a density of 8.3 g/cm³, equivalent to 8300 kg/m³.
19. 18% Tungsten High-Speed Tool Steel: It possesses a density of 8.78 g/cm³, or 8780 kg/m³.
20. High-Strength Alloy Steel: The density of high-strength alloy steel is 7.82 g/cm³, translating to 7820 kg/m³.
21. Bearing Steel: Bearing steel features a density of 7.81 g/cm³, which is 7810 kg/m³.
22. Stainless Steel (0Cr13 to Cr28): These stainless steel types range in density from 7.75 to 7.85 g/cm³, or 7750 to 7850 kg/m³.
23. Aluminum Bronze (various types): The density of these types of aluminum bronze ranges from 7.5 to 7.87 g/cm³, or 7500 to 7870 kg/m³.
24. Beryllium Bronze: Beryllium bronze has a density of 8.3 g/cm³, equivalent to 8300 kg/m³.
25. Silicon Bronze (various types): The density of these silicon bronzes ranges from 8.4 to 8.68 g/cm³, or 8400 to 8680 kg/m³.
26. Cadmium Bronze: This bronze variant has a density of 8.9 g/cm³, or 8900 kg/m³.
27. Chromium Bronze: Chromium bronze also features a density of 8.9 g/cm³, translating to 8900 kg/m³.
28. Manganese Bronze (various types): Manganese bronze types range in density from 8.6 to 8.88 g/cm³, or 8600 to 8880 kg/m³.
29. Cupronickel (various types): These types of cupronickel have densities ranging from 8.48 to 8.98 g/cm³, or 8480 to 8980 kg/m³.
30. Pure Aluminum: Pure aluminum has a density of 2.7 g/cm³, which is 2700 kg/m³.
31. Rust-Proof Aluminum (various types): The density of these types of rust-proof aluminum ranges from 2.65 to 2.73 g/cm³, or 2650 to 2730 kg/m³.
32. Hard Aluminum (various types): These types of hard aluminum have densities ranging from 2.76 to 2.84 g/cm³, or 2760 to 2840 kg/m³.
33. Forged Aluminum (various types): The density of these types of forged aluminum ranges from 2.65 to 2.82 g/cm³, or 2650 to 2820 kg/m³.
34. Stainless Steel (additional types): These additional types of stainless steel range in density from 7.75 to 7.97 g/cm³, or 7750 to 7970 kg/m³.
35. Pure Copper Material: Pure copper material has a density of 8.9 g/cm³, equivalent to 8900 kg/m³.
36. Brass (various types): These types of brass have densities ranging from 8.54 to 8.88 g/cm³, or 8540 to 8880 kg/m³.
37. Aluminum Brass (various types): The density of these types of aluminum brass ranges from 8.58 to 8.68 g/cm³, or 8580 to 8680 kg/m³.
38. Nickel Brass: Nickel brass features a density of 8.58 g/cm³, which is 8580 kg/m³.
39. Manganese Brass: Manganese brass also has a density of 8.58 g/cm³, translating to 8580 kg/m³.
40. Silicon Brass, Nickel Brass, Iron Brass: These types of brass have a density of 8.58 g/cm³, or 8580 kg/m³.
41. Cast Tin Bronze (various types): The density of these types of cast tin bronze ranges from 8.69 to 8.89 g/cm³, or 8690 to 8880 kg/m³.
42. 5-5-5 Cast Tin Bronze: This type of cast tin bronze has a density of 8.88 g/cm³, equivalent to 8880 kg/m³.
43. Forged Aluminum (additional types): These additional types of forged aluminum range in density from 2.77 to 2.85 g/cm³, or 2770 to 2850 kg/m³.
44. Super Hard Aluminum: Super hard aluminum has a density of 2.85 g/cm³, which is 2850 kg/m³.
45. LT1 Special Aluminum: LT1 special aluminum features a density of 2.75 g/cm³, translating to 2750 kg/m³.
46. Industrial Pure Magnesium: Industrial pure magnesium has a density of 1.74 g/cm³, or 1740 kg/m³.
47. Deformed Magnesium (various types): The density of these types of deformed magnesium ranges from 1.76 to 1.81 g/cm³, or 1760 to 1810 kg/m³.
48. Cast Magnesium: Cast magnesium has a density of 1.81 g/cm³, equivalent to 1810 kg/m³.
49. Industrial Pure Titanium (TA1, TA2, TA3): These types of industrial pure titanium have a density of 4.54 g/cm³, or 4540 kg/m³.
50. Titanium Alloy (various types): The density of these titanium alloys ranges from 4.43 to 4.89 g/cm³, which is 4430 to 4890 kg/m³.
51. Pure Nickel, Anode Nickel, Electric Vacuum Nickel: These types of nickel have a density of 8.85 g/cm³, translating to 8850 kg/m³.
52. Nickel Copper, Nickel Magnesium, Nickel Silicon Alloy: These nickel alloys also have a density of 8.85 g/cm³, or 8850 kg/m³.
53. Nickel Chromium Alloy: The density is 8.72 g/cm³, which is 8720 kg/m³.
54. Zinc Ingot (Zn0.1, Zn1, Zn2, Zn3): The density is 7.15 g/cm³, equivalent to 7150 kg/m³.
55. Cast Zinc: The density is 6.86 g/cm³, or 6860 kg/m³.
56. 4-1 Cast Zinc Aluminum Alloy: The density is 6.96 g/cm³, which is 6960 kg/m³.
57. 4-0.5 Cast Zinc Aluminum Alloy: The density is 6.75 g/cm³, equivalent to 6750 kg/m³.
58. Lead and Lead Antimony Alloy: The density is 11.37 g/cm³, or 11370 kg/m³.
59. Lead Anode Plate: The density of a lead anode plate is 11.33 g/cm³, or 11330 kg/m³.

Top 10 Metals With the Highest Density

The list below provides the ten metals with the highest density.

This table lists the metals in descending order of density, with Osmium being the densest at 22.59 g/cm³ and Mercury being the least dense among the top ten at 13.58 g/cm³.

Understanding Metal Density Unit Conversions

Understanding the conversion of metal density units is essential for accurate calculations and material selection in engineering and industrial applications. Density, defined as mass per unit volume, is commonly expressed in various units, including grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³), kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³), and pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³).

Importance of Density in Practical Applications

Density plays a crucial role in various practical applications. In engineering design, accurate density values ensure the correct material specifications for structural integrity. In manufacturing, density calculations help in determining material requirements and costs. Quality control processes also rely on density measurements to verify material properties against standards.

Common Units of Density

Grams per Cubic Centimeter (g/cm³)

This unit is often used in laboratory settings and for small-scale applications. It expresses the density of a material as the number of grams in one cubic centimeter.

Kilograms per Cubic Meter (kg/m³)

Widely used in engineering and construction, this unit expresses the density of a material as the number of kilograms in one cubic meter. It is particularly useful for large-scale applications and bulk material assessments.

Pounds per Cubic Foot (lb/ft³)

Commonly used in the United States, this unit measures the density of a material as the number of pounds in one cubic foot. It is frequently used in construction, manufacturing, and other practical applications.

Conversion Factors and Methods

Converting between different units of density requires specific conversion factors. These factors are based on the relationships between the units of mass and volume involved. Understanding these relationships helps in applying the correct conversion factors.

From Kilograms per Cubic Meter to Other Units

To Grams per Cubic Centimeter:

To Pounds per Cubic Foot:

From Grams per Cubic Centimeter to Other Units

To Kilograms per Cubic Meter:

To Pounds per Cubic Foot:

From Pounds per Cubic Foot to Other Units

To Kilograms per Cubic Meter:

To Grams per Cubic Centimeter:

Detailed Conversion Examples

Converting 500 kg/m³ to g/cm³

To convert 500 kg/m³ to g/cm³, use the conversion factor 0.001:

Converting 0.5 g/cm³ to lb/ft³

To convert 0.5 g/cm³ to lb/ft³, use the conversion factor 62.4:

Converting 31.2 lb/ft³ to kg/m³

To convert 31.2 lb/ft³ to kg/m³, use the conversion factor 16.02:

Practical Applications in Various Industries

Density conversions are crucial across various industries:

• Aerospace: Ensuring lightweight yet strong materials for aircraft components.
• Automotive: Selecting materials for fuel efficiency and safety.
• Materials Science: Developing new materials with specific density properties for advanced applications.

Visual Aids

Practice Problems

1. Convert 1200 kg/m³ to g/cm³.
2. Convert 2.5 g/cm³ to lb/ft³.
3. Convert 45 lb/ft³ to kg/m³.

By mastering the conversion of metal density units, professionals can ensure precision in their calculations and make informed decisions in material selection and usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What is the density of aluminum?

The density of aluminum is approximately 2.70 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or 2,700 kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). This value is for pure aluminum, and it is a critical parameter in various industrial and engineering applications due to aluminum’s desirable properties, such as its strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum alloys, which include other elements like copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon, and zinc, can have slightly different densities. For example, Aluminum Alloy 6061 also has a density of around 2.70 g/cm³, while Aluminum Alloy 7075 has a density of about 2.81 g/cm³. The low density of aluminum compared to other metals like steel makes it particularly useful in aerospace, automotive, and construction industries where weight savings are important.

How do you convert metal density from g/cm³ to kg/m³?

To convert metal density from grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) to kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³), you can use a simple multiplication factor. Since 1 gram is equal to 0.001 kilograms and 1 cubic centimeter is equal to ( \frac{1}{1,000,000} ) cubic meters, the conversion factor is 1000. This means that the density in kg/m³ is 1000 times the density in g/cm³.

The formula to perform this conversion is:

For example:

If the density of a metal is 2.7 g/cm³, then in kg/m³, it would be:

This straightforward multiplication allows for quick and accurate conversion between these units, which is particularly useful when dealing with metal density charts in various engineering and scientific applications.

Why is metal density important in engineering?

Metal density is a crucial factor in engineering due to its significant impact on material selection, design, and overall performance of products. Density affects several key aspects:

1. Material Selection and Design: Engineers must choose materials that meet specific requirements for strength, weight, and performance. For example, in aerospace and automotive industries, lighter materials like aluminum (2.7 g/cm³) are preferred for weight-saving purposes, while materials like steel (approximately 7.9 g/cm³) are selected for their strength and durability.
2. Weight and Structural Integrity: The density of a metal directly influences the weight and stability of a structure. High-density metals provide greater stability and are often used in applications requiring strong and robust components. Conversely, low-density metals are ideal for lightweight constructions, crucial in sectors like aerospace where every gram counts.
3. Thermal and Electrical Performance: Density can affect a metal’s thermal and electrical properties. Metals with higher electron mobility, which is influenced by their atomic arrangement and density, typically have better conductivity. This is essential for applications requiring efficient heat transfer or electrical conductivity.
4. Corrosion Resistance and Durability: While density itself doesn’t determine corrosion resistance, denser metals often have compact atomic structures that may be less prone to corrosion. Additionally, denser metals usually exhibit better wear resistance and durability under specific conditions.
5. Fabrication and Machinability: The density of a metal influences its manufacturing process. Heavier metals require more energy for machining, welding, or forming, affecting the overall production cost and efficiency.
6. Cost and Environmental Impact: Metals with higher densities, especially rare ones, tend to be more expensive due to the energy required for extraction and processing. However, these materials often offer longer lifespans and better recyclability, mitigating their environmental impact over time.
7. Specific Applications and Innovations: Understanding metal density is essential for innovative applications, such as creating lightweight composites with high strength-to-weight ratios. This knowledge helps engineers design smaller, lighter, and more efficient products.

In summary, metal density is a fundamental property that influences material selection, design considerations, and the economic and environmental impact of engineering projects. It is vital for achieving the desired balance between performance, cost, and sustainability in various applications.

What are the densities of common alloys like brass and steel?

The densities of common alloys like brass and steel can vary depending on their specific composition. For brass, the density generally ranges around 8.5 g/cm³ or 8,500 kg/m³, with variations such as Brass 60/40 having a slightly higher density of 8.52 g/cm³ or 8,520 kg/m³, and Red Brass approximately 8.75 g/cm³ or 8,720 kg/m³. Steel also shows variations in density: general steel typically has a density of about 7.80-7.86 g/cm³ or 7,800-7,860 kg/m³, mild steel is around 7.85 g/cm³ or 7,850 kg/m³, and stainless steel ranges from 7.48-7.95 g/cm³ or 7,480-7,950 kg/m³. These densities are essential for various applications, including engineering and manufacturing, as they influence the material’s strength, weight, and suitability for different uses.

What is the density of steel and iron?

The density of steel is usually 7.8 g/cm³.

The density of gray cast iron is 6.6 ~ 7.4 g/cm³;

The density of white cast iron is 7.4 ~ 7.72 g/cm³;

The density of malleable cast iron is 7.2 ~ 7.43 g/cm³;

The density of cast steel is 7.8 g/cm³;

The density of industrial pure iron is 7.8759 g/cm³.

What is the density of brass?

What is the density of copper?

Copper is a transition metal and is represented by the chemical symbol “Cu”.

There are several classifications of copper, including pure copper, brass, and bronze. Pure copper, also known as “red copper”, is defined as copper with a copper content of 99.5-99.95%.

There are three subtypes of pure copper, which include oxygen-free copper, oxygen copper, and special copper.

Brass is an alloy made from copper and zinc. White copper, on the other hand, is an alloy of copper and nickel, which is characterized by its silver-white appearance and metallic luster.

Bronze is a term originally used to describe a copper-tin alloy, but it has since been extended to encompass all copper alloys other than brass and white copper.

The density of copper varies depending on the type of copper. The density of copper is defined as the ratio of its mass to its volume.

Formula for copper density:

• Formula for copper density: ρ= m/V， ρ= dm/dV( ρM represents mass, V represents volume)
• Deformation of copper density formula: v = m/ρ， m= ρV，m=∫ρ(V)dV。
• The mass m can be measured by a balance, and the volume V of liquid and irregularly shaped solid can be measured by a measuring cylinder or a measuring cup.
• The density of a substance is constant, and it does not change with volume and mass. The density of different grades of copper does not change with the volume.

The density of different copper is different, but it can be roughly divided into the following types:

• The density of pure copper, and oxygen-free copper is 8.9 (g/cm³), and the density of phosphorus-deoxidized copper is 8.89 (g/cm³).
• The density of processed brass is 8.5-8.8 (g/cm³) and the density of cast brass is 7.7-8.55 (g/cm³).
• The density of processed bronze is 7.5-8.9 (g/cm³) and the density of cast bronze is 7.45-9.54 (g/cm³).
• The density of white copper is 8.4-8.9 (g/cm³).

How to calculate the density of steel?

The steel density calculation formula is: ρ= m/V。

Density unit: the international unit is kg/m³, and the common unit in the experiment is g/cm³, 1g/cm³ = 103kg/m³.

The density of steel is 7.8 g/cm³;

The weight of iron can be determined using Archimedes’ principle.

To do this, first, suspend the iron block from a thin rope and measure its true weight, “G,” using a spring scale.

Next, fully immerse the iron block in water and measure its apparent weight, “G’,” by using the spring scale while it is in the water.

Finally, by calculating the weight of iron via the formula ρ=Gρ_water/(G-G’), you will get the result that the density of steel is 7.8 g/cm³ or 0.28 lb/in³.