Understand the Density of Metals their importance for Material Selection, and Consult Density Charts

Alloys, Density of Metals, Metals

Metal density is a measure of how much mass a specific volume of a metal contains. It’s usually expressed in units like kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³), grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³), or pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³). The density of a metal is determined by its atomic mass and how closely packed its atoms are within its structure. Densities vary widely across different metals and alloys. For instance, metals like lithium are very light with a low density, making them ideal for applications requiring lightweight materials, such as batteries for electric vehicles. On the other hand, metals like tungsten have a high density, which is useful in applications requiring heavy or high-mass materials, such as weights or radiation shielding. In this article, we explore the concept of metal density and provide the values for the most common metals used in the plant project business.

DENSITY OF METALS

WHAT IS THE DENSITY OF METALS?

The concept of density plays a pivotal role in the fields of materials science, physics, and engineering, serving as a fundamental property that characterizes the compactness of a material’s mass within a given volume.

Density, defined as mass per unit volume, is commonly expressed in units such as kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³) or grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³).

For metals and alloys, density is not just a mere numerical value but a key attribute that influences their selection, application, and performance across a wide range of industries.

The density of metals and alloys is a direct reflection of their atomic structure and bonding. Metals consist of closely packed atoms with a sea of delocalized electrons facilitating their notable conductivity. The nature of metallic bonding, combined with the size and mass of the constituent atoms and the efficiency of their packing, dictates the metal’s density. Alloys, through the introduction of additional elements into the base metal, can exhibit densities that deviate from those of their pure metal counterparts, influenced by the type and proportion of alloying elements.

Metals, characterized by their shiny appearance, malleability, ductility, and excellent conductivity of heat and electricity, exhibit a wide range of densities. At one end of the spectrum, we have metals like lithium, with a density so low (approximately 0.534 g/cm³) that it floats on water. On the opposite end, osmium stands as the densest naturally occurring element, boasting a density of about 22.59 g/cm³. This diversity is mirrored in alloys, which are mixtures of metals and other elements designed to enhance certain properties such as strength, corrosion resistance, or ease of fabrication.

METALS DENSITY CALCULATION FORMULA

The formula for calculating density (ρ) is straightforward:

$ρ = m / V$

where “m” represents mass, and V denotes volume.

This simple equation, however, encapsulates a wealth of information about the material’s structure, composition, and potential applications.

The density of metals and alloys is a fundamental property that influences a wide array of material characteristics and applications. From the designer’s drafting table to the engineer’s workshop, density considerations shape decisions that affect the performance, durability, and environmental impact of metal and alloy-based products. As our understanding of material science deepens and our ability to engineer materials at the atomic level improves, the strategic manipulation of density will continue to open new horizons in material innovation and application.

RELEVANCE OF METAL DENSITY

Knowing the density of a metal provides valuable insights into its properties and potential applications. Understanding a metal’s density aids in making informed decisions regarding material selection, design considerations, and application feasibility, ensuring that the chosen metal aligns with the performance requirements of the end product.

Here are several aspects you can deduce from the density of a metal:

Material Selection

Density is a critical factor in material selection, especially for applications where weight is a crucial consideration, such as in the aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics industries. The choice between using aluminum or titanium for aircraft components, for example, hinges on balancing the materials’ densities with their strength, cost, and performance characteristics (this is called “Strength-to-Ratio”, a concept widely used also in the automotive industry).

Design Considerations

Engineers must account for the density of materials when designing products and structures to ensure they can withstand operational stresses while maintaining efficiency and effectiveness. High-density materials may be preferred for their inherent weight and stability, while low-density materials are favored for lightweight construction.

Thermal and Electrical Performance

Although not directly related, density can influence a material’s thermal and electrical conductivities. Metals with high electron mobility, a characteristic partly dependent on their atomic arrangement and hence their density, typically exhibit excellent conductivity.

Corrosion Resistance

Though not directly related, density can be a starting point to consider corrosion resistance. Metals with higher densities often have compact atomic structures that may be less susceptible to corrosion in certain environments.

Wear and Durability

In certain applications, the density of a metal can hint at its wear resistance and durability under specific operating conditions, which is essential for parts subjected to friction and abrasion.

Material Identification

Density can help identify a metal or distinguish between two similar-looking materials, as each metal has a unique density.

Fabrication and Machinability

The density of a metal can influence its fabrication and machining processes. Heavier metals may require more energy to machine, weld, or form compared to lighter ones.

Cost and Availability

Denser metals, especially those that are rare or difficult to extract, may be more expensive. Knowing the density can help in preliminary cost estimation for material selection in projects.

Environmental and Economic Impact

The density of metals and alloys affects their sustainability and recyclability. High-density materials may require more energy to extract, refine, and process, but they might offer longer lifespans and better recyclability, impacting their overall environmental footprint.

Innovative Applications

Understanding and manipulating the density of alloys allows scientists and engineers to create materials with bespoke properties for cutting-edge applications, from superalloys capable of withstanding extreme temperatures in jet engines to lightweight alloys for electric vehicle batteries

METALS DENSITY CHART

KEY METALS

The table of densities for widely used metals in the array of products featured on Projectmaterials.com, including piping and structural steel, can be useful. To estimate the weight of an item made from a specific material, based on its weight in carbon steel, simply multiply the nominal carbon steel weight by the density ratio relative to steel (for example if you know that a 4″ Class 150 Threaded Flange in Carbon Steel weights 3 kilograms, the corresponding flange in Copper will weight 3 * 1.14 Kgs):

Metal	Density (g/cm³)	Density vs. Steel
Steel	7.85	1
Iron	7.85	1.00
Aluminum	2.73	0.35
Brass	8.5	1.08
Chromium	7.19	0.92
Copper	8.94	1.14
Gold	19.3	2.46
Lead	11.3	1.44
Magnesium	1.74	0.22
Mercury	13.6	1.73
Nickel	8.9	1.13
Platinum	21.4	2.73
Silver	10.5	1.34
Sodium	0.97	0.12
Tin	7.28	0.93
Zinc	7.14	0.91

ALL KEY METALS, ALLOYS, AND ELEMENTS

The table shows the density of the most common metals, alloys, and elements in kgs/m3 and in Lbs/ft3:

Metal/Alloy/Element	Density in kilograms per m³	Density in Pounds per ft³
Actinium	10070	629
Admiralty Brass	8525	532
Aluminum	2712	169
Aluminum – melted	2560 – 2640	160 – 165
Aluminum alloy – 1100	2720	170
Aluminum alloy – 6061	2720	170
Aluminum alloy – 7050	2800	175
Aluminum alloy – 7178	2830	177
Aluminum alloy 2014, annealed	2800	175
Aluminum alloy 3003, rolled	2730	170
Aluminum alloy 360	2640	165
Aluminum bronze (3-10% Al)	7700 – 8700	481- 543
Aluminum foil	2700 -2750	169 – 172
Antifriction metal	9130 -10600	570-662
Antimonial lead (hard lead)	10900	680
Antimony	6690	418
Babbitt	7272	454
Barium	3594	224
Beryllium	1840	115
Beryllium copper	8100 – 8250	506 – 515
Bismuth	9750	609
Brass – casting	8400 – 8700	524- 543
Brass – rolled and drawn	8430 – 8730	526 – 545
Brass 60/40	8520	532
Bronze – lead	7700 – 8700	480- 543
Bronze – phosphorous	8780 – 8920	548 – 557
Bronze (8-14% Sn)	7400 – 8900	462 – 556
Brushed metal	7860	491
Cadmium	8640	539
Cesium	1873	117
Calcium	1540	96
Cast iron	6800 – 7800	425 – 487
Cerium	6770	423
Chemical Lead	11340	708
Chromium	7190	449
Cobalt	8746	546
Columbium	8600	537
Constantan	8920	557
Constantan	8880	554
Copper	8940	558
Cupronickel	8908 – 8940	556 – 558
Delta metal	8600	537
Duralumin	2790	174
Dysprosium	8550	534
Electrum	8400 – 8900	524 – 555
Erbium	9070	566
Eroded metal	7860	491
Europium	5243	327
Gadolinium	7900	493
Gallium	5907	369
Germanium	5323	332
Gold	19320	1206
Hafnium	13310	831
Hastelloy C	8940	558
Holmium	8800	549
Incoloy	8027	501
Inconel	8497	530
Indium	7310	456
Iridium	22650	1414
Iron	7850	490
Lanthanum	6145	384
Lead	11340	708
Light alloy based on Al	2560 – 2800	160 – 175
Light alloy based on Mg	1760 – 1870	110-117
Lithium	534	33
Lutetium	9840	614
Magnesium	1738	108
Magnesium alloy AZ31B	1770	110
Manganese	7440	464
Manganese Bronze	8359	522
Manganin	8500	531
Mercury	13593	849
Molybdenum	10188	636
Monel	8360 – 8840	522 – 552
Neodymium	7007	437
Neptunium	20200	1261
Nichrome	8400	524
Nickel	8908	556
Nickel 20	8090	505
Nickel 200	8890	555
Nickel silver	8400 – 8900	524 – 556
Nickeline	8770	547
Nimonic	8100	506
Niobium	8570	535
Osmium	22610	1411
Palladium	12160	759
Phosphor bronze	8900	556
Platinum	21400	1336
Plutonium	19816	1237
Polonium	9200	574
Potassium	890	56
Praseodymium	6770	423
Promethium	7260	453
Protactinium	15400	961
Radium	5000	312
Red Brass	8746	546
Rhenium	20800	1299
Rhodium	12400	774
Rubidium	1530	96
Ruthenium	12100	755
Samarium	7520	469
Scandium	2990	187
Silver	10490	655
Sodium	971	61
Solder 50/50 Pb Sn	8885	555
Stainless Steel 304/L	7930	495
Stainless Steel 316/L	8000	499
Steel	7850	490
Strontium	2640	165
Tantalium	16400	1024
Technetium	11000	687
Terbium	8230	514
Thallium	11800	737
Thorium	11700	730
Thulium	9320	582
Tin	7280	454
Titanium	4500	281
Tungsten	19600	1224
Uranium	18900	1180
Vanadium	5494	343
White metal	7100	443
Wrought Iron	7750	484
Yellow Brass	8470	529
Ytterbium	6900	431
Yttrium	4470	279
Zinc	7135	445
Zirconium	6570	410

RANKING BY DENSITY (HIGHEST TO LOWEST)

The table shows that Californium is the highest-density material, while Hydrogen is the lowest:

Density	Name	Symbol	Rank
15.1 g/cc	Californium	Cf	98
14.78 g/cc	Berkelium	Bk	97
13.5 g/cc	Curium	Cm	96
13.67 g/cc	Americium	Am	95
19.84 g/cc	Plutonium	Pu	94
20.2 g/cc	Neptunium	Np	93
18.95 g/cc	Uranium	U	92
15.4 g/cc	Protactinium	Pa	91
11.724 g/cc	Thorium	Th	90
10.07 g/cc	Actinium	Ac	89
5.5 g/cc	Radium	Ra	88
9.73 g/L	Radon	Rn	86
9.3 g/cc	Polonium	Po	84
9.75 g/cc	Bismuth	Bi	83
11.35 g/cc	Lead	Pb	82
11.85 g/cc	Thallium	Tl	81
13.546 g/cc	Mercury	Hg	80
19.32 g/cc	Gold	Au	79
21.45 g/cc	Platinum	Pt	78
22.4 g/cc	Iridium	Ir	77
22.6 g/cc	Osmium	Os	76
21.04 g/cc	Rhenium	Re	75
19.35 g/cc	Tungsten	W	74
16.65 g/cc	Tantalum	Ta	73
13.31 g/cc	Hafnium	Hf	72
9.84 g/cc	Lutetium	Lu	71
6.9 g/cc	Ytterbium	Yb	70
9.32 g/cc	Thulium	Tm	69
9.07 g/cc	Erbium	Er	68
8.8 g/cc	Holmium	Ho	67
8.55 g/cc	Dysprosium	Dy	66
8.23 g/cc	Terbium	Tb	65
7.895 g/cc	Gadolinium	Gd	64
5.24 g/cc	Europium	Eu	63
7.52 g/cc	Samarium	Sm	62
7.3 g/cc	Promethium	Pm	61
7.01 g/cc	Neodymium	Nd	60
6.77 g/cc	Praseodymium	Pr	59
6.77 g/cc	Cerium	Ce	58
6.15 g/cc	Lanthanum	La	57
3.59 g/cc	Barium	Ba	56
1.873 g/cc	Cesium	Cs	55
5.9 g/L	Xenon	Xe	54
4.93 g/cc	Iodine	I	53
6.24 g/cc	Tellurium	Te	52
6.684 g/cc	Antimony	Sb	51
7.31 g/cc	Tin	Sn	50
7.31 g/cc	Indium	In	49
8.65 g/cc	Cadmium	Cd	48
10.5 g/cc	Silver	Ag	47
12.02 g/cc	Palladium	Pd	46
12.41 g/cc	Rhodium	Rh	45
12.37 g/cc	Ruthenium	Ru	44
11.5 g/cc	Technetium	Tc	43
10.22 g/cc	Molybdenum	Mo	42
8.57 g/cc	Niobium	Nb	41
6.51 g/cc	Zirconium	Zr	40
4.47 g/cc	Yttrium	Y	39
2.54 g/cc	Strontium	Sr	38
1.63 g/cc	Rubidium	Rb	37
3.75 g/L	Krypton	Kr	36
3.119 g/cc	Bromine	Br	35
4.79 g/cc	Selenium	Se	34
5.72 g/cc	Arsenic	As	33
5.323 g/cc	Germanium	Ge	32
5.907 g/cc	Gallium	Ga	31
7.13 g/cc	Zinc	Zn	30
8.96 g/cc	Copper	Cu	29
8.9 g/cc	Nickel	Ni	28
8.9 g/cc	Cobalt	Co	27
7.874 g/cc	Iron	Fe	26
7.43 g/cc	Manganese	Mn	25
7.19 g/cc	Chromium	Cr	24
6.11 g/cc	Vanadium	V	23
4.54 g/cc	Titanium	Ti	22
2.99 g/cc	Scandium	Sc	21
1.55 g/cc	Calcium	Ca	20
0.862 g/cc	Potassium	K	19
1.7824 g/L	Argon	Ar	18
3.214 g/L	Chlorine	Cl	17
2.07 g/cc	Sulfur	S	16
1.82 g/cc	Phosphorus	P	15
2.33 g/cc	Silicon	Si	14
2.702 g/cc	Aluminum	Al	13
1.738 g/cc	Magnesium	Mg	12
0.971 g/cc	Sodium	Na	11
0.9 g/L	Neon	Ne	10
1.696 g/L	Fluorine	F	9
1.429 g/L	Oxygen	O	8
1.2506 g/L	Nitrogen	N	7
2.26 g/cc	Carbon	C	6
2.34 g/cc	Boron	B	5
1.848 g/cc	Beryllium	Be	4
0.534 g/cc	Lithium	Li	3
0.1785 g/L	Helium	He	2
0.0899 g/L	Hydrogen	H	1

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Understand the Density of Metals their importance for Material Selection, and Consult Density Charts

Understand the Density of Metals their importance for Material Selection, and Consult Density Charts

DENSITY OF METALS

WHAT IS THE DENSITY OF METALS?

METALS DENSITY CALCULATION FORMULA

RELEVANCE OF METAL DENSITY

Material Selection

Design Considerations

Thermal and Electrical Performance

Corrosion Resistance

Wear and Durability

Material Identification

Fabrication and Machinability

Environmental and Economic Impact

Innovative Applications

METALS DENSITY CHART

KEY METALS

ALL KEY METALS, ALLOYS, AND ELEMENTS

RANKING BY DENSITY (HIGHEST TO LOWEST)

Projectmaterials Team

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