Weight from Volume Calculator
Accurately calculate weight based on volume and material density
Water (Fresh)
Water (Salt)
Steel / Iron
Concrete
Aluminum
Gold
Wood (Oak)
Air (Sea Level)
Custom Density
Choose a common material or select "Custom" to enter your own density.
Please enter a positive volume.
Cubic Meters (m³)
Cubic Feet (ft³)
Cubic Yards (yd³)
Liters (L)
US Gallons (gal)
Select the unit of measurement for your volume.
Please enter a valid density.
kg/m³ (Kilograms per Cubic Meter)
lb/ft³ (Pounds per Cubic Foot)
g/cm³ (Grams per Cubic Centimeter)
Note: Changing units will convert the density value automatically.
Total Estimated Weight
7,850 kg
Based on your inputs
Formula: 1 m³ × 7850 kg/m³ = 7850 kg
Weight Conversion Table
| Unit | Value | Description |
|---|
Material Comparison (Same Volume)
Comparing calculated weight vs. other common materials for the same volume.
What is how to calculate weight with volume?
Knowing how to calculate weight with volume is a fundamental skill in physics, engineering, logistics, and everyday construction. At its core, this calculation determines the mass of an object based on how much space it occupies (volume) and how tightly packed its matter is (density).
This calculation is essential because volume alone does not tell you how heavy an object is. A cubic meter of feathers weighs significantly less than a cubic meter of lead, despite occupying the exact same amount of space. By integrating density into the equation, we can accurately predict weight for shipping costs, structural load capacities, or material purchasing.
Professionals who frequently use this calculation include:
- Logistics Managers: To estimate shipping weights when only package dimensions are known.
- Civil Engineers: To calculate the load of concrete or steel beams based on blueprint dimensions.
- Chemists: To determine the mass of liquid reagents in specific containers.
How to Calculate Weight with Volume: The Formula
The mathematical relationship used to calculate weight with volume is derived from the definition of density. The formula is simple yet powerful:
Weight (Mass) = Volume × Density
In scientific notation, this is often expressed as:
m = ρ × V
Where m is mass, ρ (rho) is density, and V is volume.
Variable Definitions
| Variable | Meaning | Standard Metric Unit | Typical Range (Solids) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (Mass) | The amount of matter in the object | Kilograms (kg) | Varies by size |
| Volume | The 3D space occupied | Cubic Meters (m³) | 0.001 to 100+ m³ |
| Density | Mass per unit of volume | kg/m³ | 500 (wood) to 19,300 (gold) |
Practical Examples of Calculating Weight
Understanding how to calculate weight with volume is easier with real-world scenarios.
Example 1: The Aquarium
A hobbyist wants to know if their floor can support a new large aquarium. The tank holds 200 liters of water.
- Volume: 200 Liters (converted to cubic meters: 0.2 m³)
- Material: Fresh Water
- Density: 1,000 kg/m³
- Calculation: 0.2 m³ × 1,000 kg/m³ = 200 kg
- Result: The water alone weighs 200 kg (approx 440 lbs), not including the glass or stand.
Example 2: Concrete Patio Slab
A contractor is pouring a concrete slab that is 3 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 0.1 meters thick.
- Volume: 3 × 2 × 0.1 = 0.6 m³
- Material: Cured Concrete
- Density: ~2,400 kg/m³
- Calculation: 0.6 m³ × 2,400 kg/m³ = 1,440 kg
- Result: The contractor needs to order or mix nearly 1.5 tonnes of concrete.
How to Use This Calculator
Our tool simplifies the process of how to calculate weight with volume by handling the complex unit conversions for you.
- Select Material: Choose a preset material (like Steel or Water) to automatically load its standard density. If your material isn't listed, select "Custom".
- Enter Volume: Input the numerical value of the space the object occupies.
- Choose Units: precise unit selection is critical. Select whether your volume is in cubic meters, liters, gallons, or cubic feet.
- Review Density: Ensure the density value matches your specific material grade. You can switch density units (e.g., from kg/m³ to lb/ft³) if your reference data uses a different system.
- Analyze Results: The calculator immediately displays the total weight in the main box, with alternative units provided in the table below.
Key Factors That Affect Results
When learning how to calculate weight with volume, it is crucial to understand that real-world conditions can alter theoretical results.
- Temperature: Most materials expand when heated (increasing volume) and contract when cooled. Since mass stays constant, density decreases as temperature rises. This is particularly significant for liquids and gases.
- Porosity: Materials like wood, concrete, or soil contain air pockets. "Bulk density" accounts for these voids, while "particle density" does not. Using the wrong density figure can lead to significant errors.
- Moisture Content: Wood and soil absorb water. Wet sand is significantly heavier than dry sand because the water adds mass to the existing volume.
- Purity & Alloys: Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon. The exact density varies depending on the specific alloy grade (e.g., Stainless Steel 304 vs. Carbon Steel).
- Pressure: While solids and liquids are mostly incompressible, gas density is highly dependent on pressure. Calculating the weight of compressed air requires knowing the internal pressure of the container.
- Measurement Error: Even a small error in measuring dimensions (radius or height) can compound into a large volume error, drastically skewing the final weight calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does volume always equal weight?
No. Volume is the space an object occupies, while weight is the force of gravity on that object's mass. They are linked by density but are distinct physical properties.
2. How do I calculate weight from volume in liters?
To calculate weight with volume in liters, you must know the density in kg/L. For water, 1 Liter = 1 kg. For other materials, multiply Liters × Density (kg/L).
3. What is the difference between dry weight and wet weight?
Dry weight assumes 0% moisture content. Wet weight includes the mass of water absorbed into the material's pores. For shipping lumber or soil, wet weight is the safer metric.
4. Why is lead heavier than aluminum for the same volume?
Lead has a much higher atomic mass and tighter atomic packing structure than aluminum, giving it a much higher density (11,340 kg/m³ vs 2,700 kg/m³).
5. Can I use this for calculating shipping costs?
Yes, carriers often use "dimensional weight" which charges based on volume if the package is light but bulky. However, this calculator gives you the actual physical weight.
6. How precise are standard density values?
Standard values are averages. Natural materials like wood or stone can vary by ±10-20% depending on origin and condition. Always weigh a sample for critical engineering tasks.
7. How do I convert cubic feet to pounds?
Multiply the volume in cubic feet by the material's density in pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³). For example, water is approx 62.4 lb/ft³.
8. Does shape affect the weight calculation?
Shape affects how you calculate volume (e.g., sphere vs. cube), but once the volume is known, the shape does not change the weight-volume-density relationship.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Explore more of our engineering and logistics calculators to assist with your planning:
- Tank Volume Calculator – Calculate the specific volume of cylindrical or rectangular tanks.
- Freight Class Calculator – Estimate shipping classifications based on density.
- Metal Density Database – Comprehensive list of alloy densities.
- Universal Unit Converter – Convert between metric and imperial systems instantly.
- Container Loading Software – Optimize how to calculate weight with volume for pallets.
- Structural Load Estimator – Advanced beam load calculations.