Physics
Converting between the two metric units
A factor of 1000, never 100. Going the other way you divide by 1000 instead of multiplying.
The Formula
rho[kg/m3] = rho[g/cm3] x 1000
A factor of 1000, never 100. Going the other way you divide by 1000 instead of multiplying.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| rho (g/cm3) | Density in grams per cubic centimetre | g/cm3 | The form chemists and engineers usually quote. |
| rho (kg/m3) | Density in SI base units | kg/m3 | Exactly 1000 times the g/cm3 value, so 2 becomes 2000. |
What Each Symbol Means
rho (g/cm3)g/cm3
Density in grams per cubic centimetre
The form chemists and engineers usually quote.
rho (kg/m3)kg/m3
Density in SI base units
Exactly 1000 times the g/cm3 value, so 2 becomes 2000.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate density page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Density, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.