Density units measure mass per unit volume, describing how tightly packed the matter within an object is. Because density is a derived physical quantity calculated using the formula
(Density = Mass / Volume), its units always combine a unit of mass with a unit of volume.
Different scientific fields and industries use distinct systems of measurement to express this property. Standard Systems of Measurement Typical Application SI (International System) Kilogram per cubic meter
Official scientific standard, large-scale engineering, meteorology. CGS (Centimeter-Gram-Second) Gram per cubic centimeter Chemistry laboratory settings, geology, material science. Metric (Liquid-focused) Gram per milliliter Liquid measurements in chemistry and medicine. US Customary / Imperial Pound per cubic foot Civil engineering, aerospace, construction in the US. Practical Usage by State of Matter
Because the physical packing of molecules changes radically between solids, liquids, and gases, scientists use different scale sizes for convenience:
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