What is bulk density?

Bulk density is the total mass of a rock sample divided by its total volume, including any pores or voids. It differs from grain density, which measures only the solid mineral grains.

What units does this calculator use?

Inputs support g, kg, oz, lb, cm³, mL, L, m³, in³, and ft³. Results are shown in g/cm³, kg/m³, specific gravity, and lb/ft³.

Is specific gravity the same as density?

Specific gravity is a dimensionless ratio to water density. Numerically it is approximately equal to density in g/cm³ when referenced to water at about 4 °C, but it has no unit.

How do I measure the volume of an irregular rock?

Use the water displacement method: submerge the sample in a graduated cylinder and record how much the water level rises. That volume change equals the sample volume in mL (1 mL = 1 cm³).

Why does my result differ from the reference table?

Natural rocks vary in composition, porosity, and weathering. The reference values are typical ranges; your sample may be purer, more porous, or a mixed lithology.

What is the density of granite?

Granite typically has a density of 2.63–2.75 g/cm³, with a commonly cited average of 2.70 g/cm³.

Can I use this for minerals?

Yes. The reference table includes common minerals such as quartz (2.65 g/cm³), calcite (2.71 g/cm³), and pyrite (5.01 g/cm³). Enter your sample measurements and compare.

Rock Density Calculator

Enter a rock sample's mass and volume to calculate its bulk density, then compare against a reference table of common rock and mineral densities.

Sample Measurements

Mass

Volume

1 mL = 1 cm³ — use water displacement for irregular shapes.

Common Rock & Mineral Densities

Rock / Mineral	Type	Density (g/cm³)

Method, references & limitations

Bulk density = mass ÷ total sample volume, including connected and enclosed pores represented by the volume measurement. Specific gravity here is density in g/cm³ divided by 1.000 g/cm³; unit weight uses 1 g/cm³ = 62.42796 lb/ft³.

Conversions follow the NIST Guide to the SI. Reference values are indicative; measured bulk density varies with porosity, moisture, weathering and composition. See the USGS bulk-density table and USGS physical-property dataset.

Privacy: measurements and calculations remain in this browser tab; no sample values are sent to a calculation service.

Summary

Enter a rock sample's mass and volume to calculate its bulk density, then compare against a reference table of common rock and mineral densities.

How it works

Enter the mass of your rock sample and choose g, kg, oz, or lb.
Enter total sample volume in cm³, mL, L, m³, in³, or ft³.
Click Calculate — the tool applies the formula density = mass ÷ volume.
Results include g/cm³, kg/m³, specific gravity, and unit weight in lb/ft³.
The comparison panel lists every reference range containing the measured value, or the nearest range when none contains it.
Scroll the reference table to compare your result against common rock densities.

Use cases

Geology fieldwork: quickly verify whether a hand sample matches expected density ranges.
Classroom labs: teach density concepts with real mineral samples.
Mining & exploration: assess rock type from core drill samples.
Petrography: cross-check calculated density against mineral composition.
Civil engineering: estimate unit weight of rock for foundation design.
Hobbyist rockhounds: identify unknown mineral specimens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-09-22 · Reviewed by Nham Vu