What Is the Density of Iron and Steel?

The density of pure iron is about

7.874 kg/m³

Pure Iron and Steel: Similar but not Identical Densities

Pure iron has a density of about 7,874 kg/m³ (7.874 g/cm³). Steel, being an alloy of iron with carbon and other elements (chromium, nickel, manganese, depending on the type), has a slightly variable density, generally between 7,700 and 8,050 kg/m³, with the most common value for structural steel around 7,850 kg/m³.

The Conversion Formula

Knowing the density, you can calculate the weight of an iron or steel component by multiplying by its volume:

weight (kg) = volume (m³) × density (kg/m³)

To calculate the volume knowing the weight, perform the inverse operation:

volume (m³) = weight (kg) ÷ density (kg/m³)

Practical Examples

  • Pure iron: ≈ 7,874 kg/m³ (7.874 g/cm³)
  • Structural steel: ≈ 7,850 kg/m³ (commonly used value in calculations)
  • Stainless steel: ≈ 7,700-8,000 kg/m³, depending on the alloy
  • A 1 m³ steel bar weighs about 7,850 kg, almost 8 tonnes

When This Information Is Needed

Knowing the density of iron and steel is essential in structural and mechanical engineering, for calculating the weight of beams, components, or metal structures from their dimensions, an essential step for foundation sizing, load calculations, or transportation cost estimates.

Other Density Conversions

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