How this calculator works
Mass equals density multiplied by volume. This page converts volume and mass to SI base units before solving the missing quantity. The reference presets are nominal water at 1,000 kg/m3, aluminium at 2,698.9 kg/m3, iron at 7,874 kg/m3 and lead at 11,350 kg/m3. The metal values are NIST reference compositions, not guaranteed densities of a particular alloy or bulk pile. Choose custom density for gases, other liquids, aggregates or packed materials; include the temperature and packing condition in the density you use. The density mode recovers density from measured mass and volume. One cubic foot is exactly 0.028316846592 m3 and one pound is exactly 0.45359237 kg.
Formula
pounds = cubic feet x 0.028316846592 x density in kg/m3 / 0.45359237; cubic feet = pounds x 0.45359237 / (0.028316846592 x density); density = mass / volume.
Worked example
At a custom density of 10 lb/ft3, 5 ft3 has a mass of 50 lb. At 1,000 kg/m3, 1 ft3 of nominal water has a mass of approximately 62.4279605761 lb.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is there no single conversion factor?
Volume and mass measure different things. Their ratio depends on density, so the material and its condition must be known.
Which density should I use for gravel or a bulk load?
Use the supplier bulk density for the actual moisture and packing state. Solid particle density leaves out the spaces between particles and can overestimate a load.
Can I find density from measured quantities?
Yes. Select density and enter positive mass and volume. Zero mass or zero volume cannot define a positive material density.