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. The main ton unit is the metric tonne of exactly 1,000 kg. Short and long tons are not interchangeable with it.
Formula
metric tonnes = cubic metres x density in kg/m3 / 1000; cubic metres = metric tonnes x 1000 / density; density = mass in kg / volume in m3.
Worked example
At 1,600 kg/m3, 2.5 m3 has a mass of 4 metric tonnes. Conversely, 7.874 tonnes of the NIST iron reference occupies 1 m3.
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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.