How to use the specific gravity calculator
Find specific gravity of a substance relative to water. Enter density of substance, reference density in the fields above; the specific gravity, floats in reference? are computed instantly and plotted on the chart so you can see how the answer changes.
Common searches this calculator answers include “relative density”, “will it float in water”, “hydrometer reading”, “calculate specific gravity”, “find specific gravity”.
Formula
Variables
- rho — Density of substance (kg/m³)
- rref — Reference density (kg/m³)
Worked example
With density of substance = 2700 kg/m³, reference density = 1000 kg/m³, the calculator gives specific gravity ≈ 2.7; floats in reference? ≈ No.
Frequently asked questions
What is the specific gravity calculator used for?
Find specific gravity of a substance relative to water. It helps with questions such as “relative density”, “will it float in water”, “hydrometer reading”.
What is the formula for the specific gravity calculation?
Specific gravity = rho / rref. Floats in reference? = [Specific gravity]<1?"Yes":"No". Here rho is density of substance (kg/m³), rref is reference density (kg/m³).
What inputs do I need for the specific gravity calculator?
You need density of substance in kg/m³, reference density in kg/m³. Each field is pre-filled with a typical example so you can see how the result responds as you edit the numbers.
How do I use the specific gravity calculator?
Type values into the input fields. Results and the chart update instantly. Use Reset to restore the example values, Copy results to paste them elsewhere, or Share to copy a link that preserves your inputs.
Is the specific gravity result exact?
Calculations use standard formulas and double-precision arithmetic, then display about seven significant figures. Real-world measurements carry uncertainty, so treat results as estimates unless your inputs are exact.