Rock Density Calculator

Work out rock density instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Rock Density Calculator

Density is mass over volume, and since water is 1 g/cm3 the numerical value is also the specific gravity. 685 g in 250 cm3 gives 2.74 g/cm3, typical of granite or limestone. Rock densities cluster tightly by type - 2.2-2.5 for sedimentary, 2.6-2.8 for granitic and 2.9-3.1 for basaltic - so density alone narrows identification considerably.

Formulas

Density

rho = mass / volume

Specific gravity

SG = rock density / water density (1 g/cm3)

Worked example

With the default values below, Rock Density Calculator returns Rock Density of 2.740. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Sample massminimum 0 g: 685 g
Sample volumeminimum 0 cm3: 250 cm3

Results

Rock Density: 2.740 g/cm3
Specific Gravity: 2.740
Same Density In SI: 2,740 kg/m3
Consistent With: Consistent with granite or limestone

Step by step

1Values used
2Density
3Specific gravity
4Rock Density= 2.740 g/cm3
5Specific Gravity= 2.740
6Same Density In SI= 2,740 kg/m3
7Consistent With= Consistent with granite or limestone

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 2 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 3 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure an irregular sample's volume?

By water displacement, sealing porous samples with wax first so pore space is not flooded.

Why does density matter in geophysics?

Because gravity surveys detect density contrasts, which is how ore bodies, salt domes and buried basins are mapped.