The table below provides a clear overview of how the most common units of density relate to each other: kg/m³, kg/dm³, lb/in³ and lb/ft³. It allows you to quickly convert between metric and imperial measurement systems.
What is density?
Density describes the relationship between the mass of a substance and its volume. It simply indicates how heavy or light a material is in relation to how much space it takes up. In the SI system, density is measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). For example, water at room temperature has a density of approximately 1000 kg/m³.
Density Conversion Table
| Density | kg/m³ | kg/dm³ | lb/in³ | lb/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kg/m³ | 1 | 0,001 | 0,000036124 | 0,062428 |
| 1 kg/dm³ | 1000 | 1 | 0,0361237 | 62,428 |
| 1 lb/in³ | 27679,9 | 27,6799 | 1 | 0,001728 |
| 1 lb/ft³ | 16,0185 | 0,0160185 | 0,000578704 | 1 |
Common density conversions
Below are some common conversions between different units of density. These can be used as a reference when you need to convert density in technical contexts.
kg/m³ to kg/dm³
To convert kg/m³ to kg/dm³, divide the value by 1000.
Example:
1,000 kg/m³ = 1 kg/dm³
850 kg/m³ = 0.85 kg/dm³
This is a common conversion because kg/m³ is often used in technical data sheets, while kg/dm³ is easier to relate to in practical contexts.
kg/dm³ to kg/m³
To convert kg/dm³ to kg/m³, multiply the value by 1000.
Example:
1 kg/dm³ = 1,000 kg/m³
0.9 kg/dm³ = 900 kg/m³
This conversion is often used in calculations where density needs to be expressed in the SI unit kg/m³.
lb/ft³ to kg/m³
To convert lb/ft³ to kg/m³, multiply the value by approximately 16.0185.
Example:
1 lb/ft³ = 16.0185 kg/m³
62.4 lb/ft³ ≈ 999.5 kg/m³
This conversion is common when comparing technical information from systems that use British or American units of measurement.
lb/in³ to kg/m³
To convert lb/in³ to kg/m³, multiply the value by approximately 27,679.9.
Example:
1 lb/in³ = 27,679.9 kg/m³
0.0361 lb/in³ ≈ 999.1 kg/m³
Since lb/in³ is a much smaller unit of volume than ft³, the values are often high when converted to kg/m³.
Why is density important when choosing a pump or hose?
Density affects how a fluid behaves within a system. It can influence flow, pressure drop, pump selection, and the sizing of hoses, pipes, and other components.
Do you need help choosing the right component based on the fluid's density?
The density of the fluid can affect, among other things, pump selection, sizing, pressure losses, and the load on hoses and other process components. Temperature, viscosity, material requirements, and the design of the application must also be taken into account.
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