Plastic Density Calculator
Calculate Weight & Volume for 15+ Plastic Materials Instantly
Plastic Density Reference Table
Complete density values for common plastic materials used in manufacturing and engineering applications.
| Material | Abbreviation | Density (g/cm³) | Density (lb/in³) | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Density Polyethylene | LDPE | 0.91-0.93 | 0.033 | Bags, films, squeeze bottles |
| High Density Polyethylene | HDPE | 0.94-0.96 | 0.034 | Milk jugs, pipes, fuel tanks |
| Polypropylene | PP | 0.90-0.92 | 0.033 | Food containers, automotive parts |
| Polyvinyl Chloride | PVC | 1.38-1.41 | 0.051 | Pipes, window frames, cables |
| Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | ABS | 1.04-1.06 | 0.038 | LEGO, keyboards, automotive trim |
| Polycarbonate | PC | 1.19-1.21 | 0.043 | CDs, safety glasses, phone cases |
| Polyethylene Terephthalate | PET | 1.37-1.39 | 0.050 | Bottles, packaging, textiles |
| Nylon 6 | PA6 | 1.13-1.15 | 0.041 | Gears, bearings, rope |
| Polyoxymethylene | POM | 1.41-1.43 | 0.051 | Precision parts, gears, fasteners |
| Polytetrafluoroethylene | PTFE | 2.17-2.23 | 0.079 | Non-stick coatings, seals |
Understanding Plastic Density
Density is a fundamental material property that affects everything from manufacturing costs to end-use performance. Understanding plastic density helps engineers, manufacturers, and designers make informed decisions about material selection and part design.
Fundamental Formulas
How to Use the Plastic Density Calculator
Choose your calculation mode - either "Calculate Weight" if you know the volume, or "Calculate Volume" if you know the weight.
Select your plastic material from the dropdown menu. Each option shows the material's standard density value.
Enter your known value (volume or weight) and select the appropriate unit of measurement.
Click "Calculate" to instantly get your result with detailed conversion information.
Understanding Density Variations
Plastic density can vary based on several factors:
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Additives and Fillers: Glass fibers, carbon fibers, or mineral fillers increase density
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Processing Methods: Injection molding vs. extrusion can affect final density
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Crystallinity: Higher crystallinity typically increases density
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Temperature: Most plastics expand when heated, reducing density
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Moisture Content: Some plastics absorb water, affecting their density
Common Applications by Density Range
Low Density Plastics (0.85-1.0 g/cm³):
Materials like LDPE, PP, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) are lightweight and ideal for packaging, films, and floating applications. Their low density makes them cost-effective for large-volume products.
Medium Density Plastics (1.0-1.4 g/cm³):
ABS, PC, and Nylon fall into this range, offering a balance of weight and strength. These materials are perfect for structural components, housings, and mechanical parts where moderate weight is acceptable.
High Density Plastics (1.4-2.3 g/cm³):
PVC, PTFE, and filled composites have higher densities, providing enhanced properties like chemical resistance, flame retardancy, or increased stiffness. These are used in demanding applications despite their higher weight.
Industry-Specific Density Requirements
Automotive Industry:
Weight reduction is critical for fuel efficiency. Engineers often replace metal parts with glass-filled plastics that maintain strength while reducing weight by 30-50%.
Packaging Industry:
Low-density materials minimize shipping costs. LDPE and PP dominate this sector due to their excellent weight-to-strength ratio.
Medical Devices:
Biocompatible plastics like PEEK and medical-grade PC must meet strict density specifications to ensure consistent performance in implants and instruments.
Aerospace Applications:
Carbon fiber reinforced plastics offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, with densities around 1.5-1.6 g/cm³ compared to aluminum at 2.7 g/cm³.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do density values vary for the same plastic type?
A: Manufacturing processes, additives, and molecular weight variations all affect final density. Always use manufacturer-specific data when precision is critical.
Q: How accurate is this calculator for real-world applications?
A: The calculator uses industry-standard density values accurate to ±2-3%. For critical applications, measure actual material density or consult material datasheets.
Q: Can I use this calculator for composite materials?
A: For basic composites, use the rule of mixtures: ρ_composite = (V₁×ρ₁ + V₂×ρ₂)/(V₁+V₂). Complex composites require specialized calculation methods.