Are g/cm³ and g/mL the same unit?

Yes. One milliliter is defined as exactly one cubic centimeter (1 mL = 1 cm³), so a density expressed in g/cm³ has exactly the same numerical value in g/mL. No arithmetic is needed — only a relabeling of the unit.

What is the conversion factor from g/cm³ to g/mL?

The conversion factor is exactly 1. If a substance has a density of 2.70 g/cm³, its density is also 2.70 g/mL — no multiplication or division required.

Why do two different unit names represent the same quantity?

The liter was originally defined to equal the volume of 1 kilogram of water at maximum density. That volume turned out to be 1000.028 cm³, but was later redefined to exactly 1000 cm³ (1 L = 1000 mL = 1000 cm³). Since then 1 mL = 1 cm³ is exact by definition.

When would I use g/cm³ versus g/mL?

The unit g/cm³ is common in materials science and engineering when describing solids and structural materials. The unit g/mL is common in chemistry and medicine when describing liquids. Both refer to the same physical quantity; the choice is usually driven by discipline convention.

How do I convert g/mL to kg/L?

g/mL and kg/L are also numerically identical. Since 1 kg = 1000 g and 1 L = 1000 mL, the factor 1000/1000 = 1. So 1 g/mL = 1 kg/L exactly.

g/cm3 to g/mL Converter

Convert density between g/cm³ and g/mL — the two units are numerically identical because 1 cm³ = 1 mL by definition.

Density Converter

1 g/cm³ = 1 g/mL exactly — the units are interchangeable.

Grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³)

g/cm³

Grams per milliliter (g/mL)

g/mL

Formula: g/mL = g/cm³ × 1 | 1 cm³ = 1 mL by definition

Common Material Densities

Click a row to load that value. All g/cm³ values equal the same number in g/mL.

Material	g/cm³ = g/mL

Summary

This converter translates density values between grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) and grams per milliliter (g/mL). The conversion factor is exactly 1 — the two units are numerically identical because one milliliter is defined as exactly one cubic centimeter. Water at 4 °C is the classic example: its density is both 1.000 g/cm³ and 1.000 g/mL. Enter any value in either field for an instant result, or consult the reference table for common material densities.

How it works

Enter a density value in the g/cm³ field to see the equivalent g/mL value.
Or enter a value in the g/mL field to convert to g/cm³.
The result updates instantly — the output always equals the input because the conversion factor is 1.
The formula is: g/mL = g/cm³ × 1 (the units are interchangeable).
Click any row in the reference table to load that material's density into the converter.

Use cases

Confirm that a lab report density in g/cm³ is the same as g/mL before mixing units.
Translate chemistry textbook densities to match a formula that uses g/mL.
Verify unit consistency when combining CGS density data from different sources.
Look up the density of water, ethanol, or other common liquids in g/mL.
Teaching or studying the relationship between volume units cm³ and mL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-09-11 · Reviewed by Nham Vu