Convert volume in cubic inches to mass in kilograms using density.
Cubic Inches to Kilograms Calculator
Convert volume measurements to mass by entering cubic inches and density (kg/in³).
Enter Measurement Values
Understanding Volume to Mass Conversion
This calculator converts volume measurements to mass using the fundamental relationship between these physical properties through density.
The Formula
Mass (kg) = Volume (in³) × Density (kg/in³)
Common Material Densities
- Water: 0.0005787 kg/in³ (at 4°C)
- Aluminum: 0.001552 kg/in³
- Steel: 0.00785 kg/in³
- Lead: 0.0131 kg/in³
- Wood (Oak): 0.00042 kg/in³
Practical Examples
Click on each example to see the calculation:
Example 1: Water Tank (500 in³)
Given:
- Volume = 500 in³
- Density = 0.0005787 kg/in³ (water)
Calculation:
500 × 0.0005787 = 0.28935 kg
Result: 0.29 kg of water
Example 2: Aluminum Block (200 in³)
Given:
- Volume = 200 in³
- Density = 0.001552 kg/in³ (aluminum)
Result: 0.31 kg aluminum
Example 3: Steel Beam (150 in³)
Given:
- Volume = 150 in³
- Density = 0.00785 kg/in³ (steel)
Result: 1.18 kg steel
Example 4: Lead Weight (50 in³)
Given:
- Volume = 50 in³
- Density = 0.0131 kg/in³ (lead)
Result: 0.655 kg lead
Example 5: Oak Plank (300 in³)
Given:
- Volume = 300 in³
- Density = 0.00042 kg/in³ (oak wood)
Result: 0.126 kg wood
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the density of a material?
Material densities can be found in engineering handbooks, material safety data sheets (MSDS), or through online material property databases. Density is typically listed in kg/m³ which you can convert to kg/in³ by dividing by 61,023.7.
Why would I need this calculation?
This conversion is essential for engineering, manufacturing, shipping calculations, and any application where you need to know the weight of a material based on its volume, such as calculating structural loads or shipping costs.
How accurate is this calculation?
The calculation is mathematically precise, but accuracy depends on how precisely you know the material's density and volume. Real-world factors like material impurities, temperature, and porosity can affect actual mass.
Can I use this for irregular shapes?
Yes, as long as you can accurately determine the total volume in cubic inches. For irregular objects, use water displacement methods or 3D scanning to determine volume.
What's the difference between mass and weight?
Mass is an intrinsic property of matter (measured in kg), while weight is the force exerted by gravity on that mass (measured in newtons). On Earth's surface, 1 kg has a weight of about 9.81 newtons (2.2 pounds).
How does temperature affect the calculation?
Most materials expand when heated and contract when cooled, changing their volume. Density is inversely related to volume, so temperature changes affect density values. Use density values appropriate for your material's temperature.
Can I convert back from kg to cubic inches?
Yes, by rearranging the formula: Volume = Mass ÷ Density. You'll need to know the material's density to perform this reverse calculation.
What about porous materials?
For porous materials like foams or wood, use the bulk density which accounts for both the material and air spaces. This will be lower than the pure material density.
How precise should my density value be?
Use as many significant digits as your application requires. For most engineering purposes, 4-6 significant digits in your density value provides sufficient precision.
What if my material is a mixture?
For mixtures, you can calculate a composite density by considering the proportion and density of each component, or measure the density of the final mixture directly.
Convert volume in cubic inches to mass in kilograms using density."""Convert volume in cubic inches to mass in kilograms using density."""
Okay, so to pull this off, we're gonna need the density of the material we're workin' with. Density is key 'cause it tells us the mass per unit volume. Let's break it down step-by-step:
- Find the density: You gotta know the density of your material, usually in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³) or grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). Look it up in a table or use a reliable source. If you only have density in pounds per cubic inch or something, we'll need to convert that later.
- Convert cubic inches to cubic meters (or cubic centimeters): Since density is often given in kg/m³, it's usually easiest to convert cubic inches to cubic meters. Remember: 1 inch = 0.0254 meters. So, 1 cubic inch = (0.0254 m)³ = 0.000016387 m³. Multiply your volume in cubic inches by this conversion factor to get the volume in cubic meters. If your density is in g/cm³, you can convert to cubic centimeters instead. 1 inch = 2.54 cm, so 1 cubic inch = (2.54 cm)³ = 16.387 cm³.
- Calculate the mass in kilograms (or grams): Now, use the density to calculate the mass.
- If your volume is in cubic meters and density is in kg/m³, then: Mass (kg) = Density (kg/m³) * Volume (m³)
- If your volume is in cubic centimeters and density is in g/cm³, then: Mass (g) = Density (g/cm³) * Volume (cm³)
- Convert grams to kilograms (if necessary): If you calculated the mass in grams, divide by 1000 to get the mass in kilograms. Mass (kg) = Mass (g) / 1000
Example:
Let's say we have 10 cubic inches of aluminum. Aluminum has a density of about 2700 kg/m³.
- Volume conversion: 10 cubic inches * 0.000016387 m³/cubic inch = 0.00016387 m³
- Mass calculation: Mass = 2700 kg/m³ * 0.00016387 m³ = 0.4424 kg
So, 10 cubic inches of aluminum would be approximately 0.4424 kilograms.
Important Notes:
- Units are key! Make sure your units are consistent throughout the calculation.
- Accuracy: Density can vary slightly depending on the specific composition and temperature of the material. Use a reliable source for density values.
- Conversion Factors: Double-check your conversion factors to avoid errors.
