How the Metal Volume Calculator Works
The Metal Volume Calculator divides metal mass by the alloy density. The default 7.85 kg/L fits carbon steel; type higher densities into the number box above the 3.0 slider limit.
Pick the metal
Choose steel, stainless, aluminum, copper, brass, lead, titanium or another alloy.
Type the density
Enter the value from the table in kg/L (equal to g/cm³).
Enter the mass
Type the part or scrap weight in kilograms.
Read the volume
Multiply liters by 1,000 for cm³ or by 61.02 for cubic inches.
Metal Volume Calculator Formula
The metal volume formula is V = m ÷ ρmetal. One liter of carbon steel weighs 7.85 kg.
- ρmetal
- Alloy density, kg/L = g/cm³
Worked Examples
- Steel: 100 kg ÷ 7.85 = 12.739 L (777 in³).
- Aluminum: 10 kg ÷ 2.70 = 3.704 L.
- Gold bar (12.4 kg): 12.4 ÷ 19.32 = 642 cm³.
Metal Volume Calculator Conversion Table
1 kg of carbon steel occupies 127.4 cm³. The table lists 12 metals and alloys.
| Metal | Density (kg/L = g/cm³) | cm³ per 1 kg | in³ per 1 lb | lb per ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnesium | 1.74 | 574.7 | 15.91 | 108.6 |
| Aluminum (6061) | 2.70 | 370.4 | 10.25 | 168.6 |
| Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) | 4.43 | 225.7 | 6.25 | 276.6 |
| Zinc | 7.14 | 140.1 | 3.88 | 445.7 |
| Cast iron (grey) | 7.20 | 138.9 | 3.84 | 449.5 |
| Carbon steel | 7.85 | 127.4 | 3.53 | 490.1 |
| Stainless steel 304 | 8.00 | 125.0 | 3.46 | 499.4 |
| Brass (C360) | 8.50 | 117.6 | 3.26 | 530.6 |
| Copper | 8.96 | 111.6 | 3.09 | 559.4 |
| Lead | 11.34 | 88.2 | 2.44 | 707.9 |
| Gold | 19.32 | 51.8 | 1.43 | 1,206.1 |
| Tungsten | 19.25 | 51.9 | 1.44 | 1,201.7 |
What is a Metal Volume Calculator?
A Metal Volume Calculator is a tool that converts metal weight into volume using the density of the alloy.
Metals pack atoms tightly in crystal lattices, so most metals weigh 2.7 to 21 times as much as water per liter. Osmium, at 22.59 kg/L, is the densest natural element.
Alloying shifts density. Adding zinc to copper makes brass lighter than pure copper; adding chromium and nickel to iron makes stainless steel slightly heavier than carbon steel.
What are the Uses of a Metal Volume Calculator?
There are 5 main uses of a Metal Volume Calculator.
Casting
Foundries convert part weight into ladle and mold volume.
Machining stock
Machinists check bar volume needed for a part.
Scrap trading
Recyclers convert scrap tonnes into bin volume.
Bullion checks
Dealers detect fake gold by volume displacement.
3D printing
Engineers convert metal powder mass into build volume.