Bulk density and porosity for granular or porous materials. Three-way solver: pick the unknown (ρ_bulk, m, or V) and supply the other two. ρ_bulk = m/V_bulk. Optionally enter the true particle density ρ_true to compute porosity ε = 1 − ρ_bulk/ρ_true, plus relative density against water. SI units (kg, m³, kg/m³).
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Key facts
Category
Math & Numbers
Input types
select, number
Output type
json
Sample coverage
4
API ready
Yes
Overview
The Bulk Density & Porosity Calculator finds bulk density, mass, or bulk volume for granular and porous materials using SI units. Enter any two related values, and optionally add true particle density to calculate porosity and relative density.
When to use
Calculate bulk density from a material sample's mass and bulk volume.
Find the mass or bulk volume when density and the other measurement are known.
Estimate porosity for a granular or porous material when true particle density is available.
How it works
1Choose whether to solve for bulk density, mass, or bulk volume.
2Enter the other two values in kg, m³, or kg/m³.
3Optionally enter true particle density to calculate porosity.
4Set the number of decimal places and review the JSON result with the calculated values.
Use cases
Characterize sand, powders, aggregates, and other granular materials.
Estimate void fraction in porous solids using measured bulk and true densities.
Plan material quantities by converting between mass, bulk volume, and bulk density.
Examples
1. Calculate sand bulk density and porosity
Materials technician
Background
A technician measures 1.6 kg of quartz sand occupying 0.001 m³ and has a true particle density of 2650 kg/m³.
Problem
Calculate the sand's bulk density, porosity, and relative density.
How to use
Select “Bulk density ρ (ρ = m/V)”, enter mass 1.6, volume 0.001, and true density 2650.
Decimal places: 4
Outcome
The calculator returns a bulk density of 1600 kg/m³, porosity of 0.3962 or 39.62%, and relative density of 1.6000.
2. Find bulk volume from mass and density
Production planner
Background
A batch weighs 3.2 kg and has a bulk density of 1600 kg/m³.
Problem
Determine the bulk volume occupied by the batch.
How to use
Select “Bulk volume V (V = m/ρ)”, enter density 1600 and mass 3.2.
Decimal places: 6
FAQ
What formula is used for bulk density?
Bulk density is calculated as ρ_bulk = m/V, where m is mass in kg and V is bulk volume in m³.
Can I solve for mass or volume instead of density?
Yes. Select mass or volume as the unknown and provide the other two required values.
How is porosity calculated?
When true particle density is provided, porosity is calculated as ε = 1 − ρ_bulk/ρ_true.
What units does the calculator use?
The calculator uses kilograms for mass, cubic metres for volume, and kilograms per cubic metre for density.
What is relative density based on?
Relative density is calculated by comparing bulk density with water at 1000 kg/m³.