What is the Density of Steel?
Steel has a density of approximately 7.85 g/cm³ or 7850 kg/m³, equivalent to about 490 pounds per cubic foot. Its high density contributes to its strength and durability, making it a preferred choice for construction and industrial applications.
When buying steel, understanding details like dimensions, weight, and density is crucial. These factors ensure you select the right steel for your project, providing the strength and reliability needed for long-lasting performance. Reputable suppliers offer high-quality steel products, including beams and columns, with excellent load capacities for various applications.
What is Density?
Density refers to the amount of mass in a material compared to the space it occupies (volume). Simply put, it measures how compact an object is. For example, a material like steel, which is heavy and compact, has a high density.
The formula to calculate density is ρ = m/V, where ρ is density, m equals mass, and V is divided by volume. Density is commonly expressed in units such as grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³) in the metric system, and pounds per cubic inch (lb/in³) or pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³) in imperial units.
Density is an intensive property, meaning it remains the same regardless of the amount of material. Whether you have a small piece or a large quantity, the density of the material does not change.
What is Steel’s Density?
The density of steel is typically about 490 lb/ft³ (pounds per cubic foot) or 7.85 g/cm³ (grams per cubic centimeter), depending on its composition and specific type. While not the densest metal, its density contributes to steel’s widespread use in construction, oil, and infrastructure projects where high strength and rigidity are crucial.
Why is Density Important for Steel?
Density plays a vital role in material selection for engineering and industrial projects. It directly influences strength, durability, and overall performance. For instance, a material’s density impacts the weight of structures and components, which is critical in design and functionality. Additionally, alloying elements can alter steel’s density, allowing customization for specific applications.
Understanding Steel’s Density
Steel’s density is influenced by the bonds formed within its alloy, with variations depending on its carbon content and composition. For instance, mild steel, a type of carbon steel, typically has a density of around 7.8 g/cm³, which is shaped by its carbon levels, generally ranging from 0.16% to 0.29%.
How Carbon Affects Steel Density
- Mild Steel: With moderate carbon content, it maintains a density of about 7.8 g/cm³, offering balanced strength and ductility.
- Higher Carbon Content: As carbon increases, so does the density, improving strength and hardness but reducing ductility.
Why Density Matters in Steel ?
- Tensile Strength: Denser steel resists deformation better, making it ideal for load-bearing applications.
- Hardness: Higher density often results in harder steel, though it may lose flexibility.
- Properties: Mild steel’s dark appearance and susceptibility to rust reflect its higher carbon content. Its performance varies with temperature, making it less ideal for extreme conditions.
Steel Categories for Industrial Applications
Understanding different steel types and their densities is vital for selecting the right material. Popular steel grades are grouped into:
- Carbon Steel
- Mild Steel
- Low & Medium Alloy Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Duplex & Super Duplex Steel
- Nickel Alloys
- Titanium Alloys
- Copper & Copper Nickel
- Brass
- Aluminum
These categories guide engineers in choosing the most suitable steel for industries like oil & gas, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Density of Carbon Steel Pipes in kg/m3 and lb/in3
Density of Carbon Steel
| ASTM | Density in kg/m3 | Density in lb/in3 |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A53 Grade B | 7,85 | 0.283 lb/in3 |
| ASTM A106 Grade B | 7,86 | 0.284 lb/in3 |
Mild Steel Density
| MS Grades | Density in kg/m3 | Density in lb/in3 |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A572 | 7,966 | 0.282 |
| IS 1239 IS 3589 |
7,860 | 0.283 |
| IS 2062 | 7,850 | 0.283 |
| ASTM A36 | 7,800 | 0.281 |
Density of Alloy Steel (Low/ Medium)
| Grades | Density in kg/m3 | Density in lb/in3 |
|---|---|---|
| Low Alloy Steel | 7,500 to 8,080 | 0.271 to 0.292 |
| Medium Alloy Steel | 6,600 to 7,860 | 0.238 to 0.284 |
| P9 Pipe (9 Cr-1 Mo Alloy Steel) | 7,850 | 0.283 |
| P11 Pipe (1-1/4 Cr-1/2 Mo Alloy Steel) | 7,850 | 0.283 |
Density of Stainless Steel
| SS | Density in kg/m3 | Density in lb/in3 |
|---|---|---|
| 201 202 301 302 303 304 304L 304LN 305 |
7,930 kg/m3 | 0.286 lb/in³ |
| 309S 310S 316 316L 316Ti 316LN 317 317L 347 |
7,980 kg/m3 | 0.288 lb/in³ |
| SS 904L | 7,980 kg/m3 | 0.288 lb/in³ |
| 321 | 8,027 kg/m3 | 0.289 lb/in³ |
| 403 410 410S 416 431 |
7,750 kg/m3 | 0.280 lb/in³ |
| 440A | 7,740 kg/m3 | 0.280 lb/in³ |
| 440C | 7,620 kg/m3 | 0.275 lb/in³ |
| 420 | 7,730 kg/m3 | 0.280 lb/in³ |
| 439 430 430F |
7,700 kg/m3 | 0.278 lb/in³ |
| 434 | 7,740 kg/m3 | 0.280 lb/in³ |
| 444 | 7,750 kg/m3 | 0.280 lb/in³ |
| 405 | 7,720 kg/m3 | 0.279 lb/in³ |
| 17-4PH (martensitic) | 7,750 kg/m3 | 0.279 lb/in³ |
| 17-7 PH (semi-austenitic) | 7,810 kg/m3 | 0.282 lb/in³ |
Density of Duplex & Super Duplex Steel
| Grades | Density in kg/m3 | Density in lb/in3 |
|---|---|---|
| DSS 2205 (UNS S31803) | 7,800 | 0.282 |
| SDSS 2507 (UNS S32750) | 7,850 | 0.284 |
| A286 Grade 660 (UNS S66286) | 7,920 | 0.286 |
| 254 SMO (UNS S31254) | 8,100 | 0.292 |
Density of Nickel Alloys
| Grades | Density in kg/m3 | Density in lb/in3 |
|---|---|---|
| Ni 200/ 201 | 8890 | 0.321 |
| Monel 400 (UNS N04400) | 8860 | 0.320 |
| Monel K500 (UNS N05500) | 8300 | 0.299 |
| Inconel 600 (UNS N06600) | 8410 | 0.303 |
| Inconel 601 (UNS N06601) | 8050 | 0.290 |
| Inconel 625 (UNS N06625) | 8440 | 0.304 |
| Inconel 718 (UNS N07718) | 8220 | 0.296 |
| Alloy 20 (N08020) | 8050 | 0.290 |
| Incoloy 800/H/HT (UNS N08800, N08810, and N08811) | 8030 | 0.290 |
| Incoloy 825 (UNS N08825) | 8140 | 0.294 |
| Hastelloy C276 (UNS N10276) | 8870 | 0.320 |
| Hastelloy C22 (UNS N06022) | 8690 | 0.313 |
Titanium Alloys Density
| Grades | Density in kg/m3 | Density in lb/in3 |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 2 Titanium (UNS R50400) | 4,510 | 0.162 |
| Grade 9 Titanium (UNS R56320) | 4,480 | 0.161 |
Copper & Copper Nickel Density
| Grades | Density in kg/m3 | Density in lb/in3 |
|---|---|---|
| Free-Cutting Brass (UNS C36000) | 8,490 | 0.307 |
| Cartridge Brass (UNS C26000) | 8,530 | 0.308 |
Density of Brass
| Grades | Density in kg/m3 | Density in lb/in3 |
|---|---|---|
| Free-Cutting Brass (UNS C36000) | 8,490 | 0.307 |
| Cartridge Brass (UNS C26000) | 8,530 | 0.308 |
Density of Aluminium
| Grades | Density in kg/m3 | Density in lb/in3 |
|---|---|---|
| 2040 | 2800 | 0.101 |
| 3560 | 2680 | 0.096 |
| 4430 | 2700 | 0.097 |
| 1060 | 2705 | 0.097 |
| 1100 | 2710 | 0.097 |
| 2014 | 2800 | 0.101 |
| 2024 | 2780 | 0.100 |
| 3003 | 2730 | 0.098 |
| 3004 | 2720 | 0.098 |
| 5052 | 2680 | 0.096 |
| 5083 | 2660 | 0.096 |
| 5086 | 2660 | 0.096 |
| 5154 | 2660 | 0.096 |
| 5254 | 2660 | 0.096 |
| 5454 | 2690 | 0.097 |
| 5456 | 2660 | 0.096 |
| 5652 | 2670 | 0.096 |
| 6061 | 2700 | 0.097 |
| 6063 | 2700 | 0.097 |
How to Calculate Density
The density of steel can be calculated using a simple formula:
Density (D) = Mass (M) ÷ Volume (V)
Where,
Density (D): Measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³) in metric units.
Mass (M): The weight of the object, measured in kilograms (kg).
Volume (V): The space the object occupies, measured in cubic meters (m³).
Converting Density Units
- From g/cm³ to kg/m³
To convert grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) to kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³):
- 1 g/cm³ = 1000 kg/m³
- Multiply the value in g/cm³ by 1000.
- Example: 7.85 g/cm³ × 1000 = 7850 kg/m³
- From lbs/in³ to kg/m³
To convert pounds per cubic inch (lbs/in³) to kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³):
- 1 lb/in³ = 27,679.9 kg/m³
- Multiply the value in lbs/in³ by 27,679.9.
- Example: 0.283 lbs/in³ × 27,679.9 = 7833 kg/m³
These calculations help engineers and designers determine material suitability for various applications. Understanding density ensures precise selection for optimal performance
Steel Density lb/in3
| Steel Name | Density (g/cm3) | Density (lb/in3) |
|---|---|---|
| AISI 1020 | 7.87 g/cm3 | 0.284 lb/in3 |
| AISI 1045 | 7.85 g/cm3 | 0.283 lb/in3 |
| AISI 1018 | 7.87 g/cm3 | 0.284 lb/in3 |
| ASTM A36 | 7.85 g/cm3 | 0.283 lb/in3 |
| C45 | 7.85 g/cm3 | 0.283 lb/in3 |
| S45C | 7.85 g/cm3 | 0.283 lb/in3 |
| AISI 1045 | 7.85 g/cm3 | 0.283 lb/in3 |
| AISI 1010 | 7.87 g/cm3 | 0.284 lb/in3 |
Conclusion
Understanding the density of steel, including mild and carbon steel, is crucial for various applications in construction, manufacturing, and engineering. With densities typically around 7.85 g/cm³, steel offers the perfect balance of strength, durability, and versatility. Knowing the density helps in material selection, ensuring efficiency and reliability in projects across industries.
FAQs
What is the density of steel in kg?
Steel density typically ranges from 7750 kg/m³ to 8050 kg/m³. While dense, it is less dense than metals like aluminum, iron, and gold.
What is the general density of steel?
Steel’s general density is approximately 7.85 g/cm 3 (7850 kg/m³), making it a dense, strong material ideal for demanding construction applications requiring durability and reliability.
What is the density of steel in 7850 kg/m3?
Carbon steel, the most commonly used steel type, has a density of approximately 7850 kg/m³, influenced by its composition and crystalline structure.
