Specific Gravity Calculator

Specific Gravity Calculator

To determine the specific gravity values, put the below terms in this online calculator and get an instant answer.

Liquid/solid:

Gas:

kg/m³ ▾

Specific Gravity Calculator

The specific gravity calculator measures the relative density of a substance compared to a reference material, usually water for liquids and solids or dry air for gases. It helps determine whether a substance is heavier or lighter than the reference.

What Is Specific Gravity?

"Specific gravity is the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance."

For solids and liquids, water at 4°C is typically used as the reference (density = 1,000 kg/m³). For gases, dry air is used (density = 1.29 kg/m³).

Formula for Specific Gravity

The specific gravity (SG) is calculated as:

SG = Density of Substance / Density of Reference Substance

or in symbols:

SG = ρ_substance / ρ_reference

How to Calculate Specific Gravity

To calculate specific gravity:

Determine the density of the substance.
Determine the density of the reference material.
Divide the substance density by the reference density.

Example:

Calculate the specific gravity of aluminum relative to water.

Given:

Density of aluminum: 2,700 kg/m³
Density of water: 1,000 kg/m³

Solution:

SG = ρ_aluminum / ρ_water = 2700 / 1000 = 2.7

Aluminum has a specific gravity of 2.7, meaning it is 2.7 times denser than water.

Does Temperature Affect Specific Gravity?

Yes, specific gravity varies with temperature and pressure. Increasing temperature usually decreases density, lowering specific gravity. A substance with SG = 1 is equivalent in density to water under standard conditions.

Specific Gravity Table for Common Materials

Substance	Specific Gravity
Balsa Wood	0.12
Oak Wood	0.6 - 0.9
Ethanol	0.789
Olive Oil	0.91
Ice	0.92
Water	1.0
Blood	1.06
Table Salt	2.17
Aluminium	2.7
Cement	3.15
Lead	11.34
Mercury	13.6
Depleted Uranium	19.05
Gold	19.32
Osmium	22.59
Copper	8.96