Overview
What Is Specific Gravity?
Specific gravity is the ratio of a substance's density to the density of water (or another reference substance), a dimensionless number indicating relative density.
Calculate specific gravity of a substance.
Specific gravity is the ratio of a substance's density to the density of water (or another reference substance), a dimensionless number indicating relative density.
Useful for identifying materials, quality control, and understanding buoyancy behavior.
Input the density you're measuring.
Input water's density (or your specific reference).
The result updates automatically.
Specific Gravity = Substance Density ÷ Reference Density (usually water).
The substance has the same density as the reference substance (typically water).
The substance is denser than the reference (typically means it would sink in water).
The substance is less dense than the reference (typically means it would float in water).
No, specific gravity is dimensionless (a ratio), while density has units like g/mL.
No, calculations happen entirely in your browser.
Material identification, urine specific gravity in medical testing, and liquid concentration testing (like battery acid or antifreeze).
Yes, since density can change with temperature, specific gravity measurements are often taken at standardized temperatures.
The core concept applies to all, though measurement methods and typical reference substances can differ by context.
Yes, completely free with no sign-up required.