What is the Density of Stainless Steel?

The density of stainless steel ranges from 7.5 to 8.0 g/cm 3 (0.27 to 0.29 lb/cu in), depending on the alloy. Density has a significant impact on the application and performance of stainless steel. We provide you with detailed information on the density of stainless steel, how to measure density, and how density affects the properties of the material to make it easier for you when selecting stainless steel.

What is Density?

Density is a physical property that describes the amount of mass contained within a given volume of a substance. The stainless steel density formula is:

Density = mass / volume

It affects the weight, stability, and structural integrity of a material and is usually expressed in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). A higher density means the material is heavier for a given volume, usually indicating a more compact, tighter structure.

How to Measure the Density of Stainless Steel?

The density of stainless steel can be determined using various methods, depending on the shape and form of the material. Here are the most common techniques:

Regular shapes

For objects with regular shapes like cubes or cylinders, the volume can be calculated using geometric formulas. 

Irregular shapes

For irregularly shaped stainless steel, we often use the displacement method to determine its volume. This method involves immersing a sample of stainless steel in water and measuring the change in water level. The volume of liquid displaced by the stainless steel is equal to its volume, allowing the density to be calculated.

Electronic density meters

Advanced electronic devices can measure the density of materials directly by applying oscillating frequencies and analyzing the response, which is particularly useful for precise measurements in laboratory settings.

Stainless Steel Density

The density of stainless steel varies depending on its type and composition. 

Austenitic stainless steel density

Austenitic stainless steel has a high nickel content, which is a dense metal, so austenitic stainless steel has a relatively high density of 7.9 g/cm³, making it the densest type of stainless steel.

Ferritic stainless steel density

Ferritic stainless steel has a relatively low carbon content and does not contain particularly dense materials, so its density is 7.7 g/cm³, which is relatively light.

Martensitic stainless steel density

Martensitic stainless steel has a high carbon content, which gives it hard and rigid properties, but also makes it more brittle. Like ferritic stainless steel, the density of martensitic stainless steel also is 7.7 g/cm³.

Duplex stainless steel density

As a combination of austenitic stainless steel and ferritic stainless steel, the density of duplex stainless steel is between the two, reaching 7.8g/cm³, while having some characteristics of both.

Stainless Steel Density Chart

The following table summarizes the densities of some common stainless steel grades.

What is 304 stainless steel density?

The density of 304 stainless steel is approximately 8.00 g/cm³ (grams per cubic centimeter) or 8000 kg/m³ (kilograms per cubic meter).

What is the density of T304 stainless steel?

The density of T 304 stainless steel is approximately 8.00 g/cm³ (8000 kg/m³).

What is the density of SS 316?

The density of ss 316 is approximately 7.98 g/cm³ (grams per cubic centimeter) or 7980 kg/m³ (kilograms per cubic meter).

What is the density of 316L in kg/m³?

The density of 316L stainless steel is approximately 7,980 kg/m³. This value is fairly standard for 316L, though slight variations might occur depending on the exact composition and processing of the steel.

What is 18-8 stainless steel density?

The density of 18-8 stainless steel (which is another name for 304 stainless steel) is approximately 8.00 g/cm³ (8000 kg/m³). The term “18-8” refers to the alloy’s composition, which contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel.

What Affects the Density of Stainless Steel?

Several factors influence the density of stainless steel:

Composition

Alloying Elements: The density of stainless steel is impacted by its alloying elements. For instance, stainless steels with higher nickel content tend to be denser because nickel has a higher atomic weight compared to other elements like chromium or manganese. Conversely, elements like aluminum reduce the overall density.

Manufacturing process

Porosity: The manufacturing process can introduce porosity, which lowers the material’s density. Porosity occurs due to trapped gasses or irregularities during solidification.

Grain Structure: The density is also affected by the steel’s grain structure. Smaller and more uniform grains generally lead to higher density due to better packing of atoms.

Temperature and pressure

Temperature: Increasing temperature causes the steel’s atoms to vibrate more vigorously, leading to expansion and reduced density. Conversely, cooling the steel causes contraction and increased density.

Pressure: Applying pressure forces the atoms closer together, increasing the density. Reducing pressure allows the atoms to spread apart, decreasing the density.

The Importance of Density

Understanding the density of stainless steel is crucial for several reasons.

Material selection

Design Requirements: For structural applications, such as in construction or aerospace, selecting the right density can ensure the material meets strength and weight requirements.

Cost Efficiency: Knowing the density helps in calculating material costs and optimizing the use of resources.

Performance characteristics

Strength and Durability: Higher density often correlates with better strength and durability. Denser materials can withstand greater forces without deforming.

Corrosion Resistance: Denser stainless steel generally has improved corrosion resistance due to its compact molecular structure, which limits the penetration of corrosive agents.

Impact of Density on Other Properties

The density of stainless steel affects its various properties.

Tensile strength

• Tensile strength is directly related to the safety performance of materials under tension. Generally speaking, materials with higher density can withstand greater stress and are not easy to break during the stretching process due to their denser internal structure and stronger intermolecular bonding force, thus showing higher tensile strength.

Hardness

• Hardness reflects the hardness of the material surface. For metal materials such as stainless steel, those with higher density tend to have higher hardness because their atomic structure is tight and can resist indentation and scratches.

Ductility

• Ductility reflects the toughness and plasticity of the material during deformation. Because the internal structure of low-density materials is relatively loose, they usually have better ductility and can withstand larger deformations without breaking easily.

Corrosion resistance

• Corrosion resistance is one of the important indicators for measuring the durability of stainless steel. Generally speaking, materials with higher density can better resist the penetration and erosion of corrosive substances due to the compactness and density of their internal structure, so they usually have better corrosion resistance.

Applications of Stainless Steel Density

The density of stainless steel has a significant impact on its suitability for a variety of applications.

Aerospace: Due to the need to reduce the overall weight of aircraft and spacecraft to improve fuel efficiency and performance, low-density stainless steel alloys are preferred, such as aircraft frames and engine components.

Automotive: For parts that require durability and impact resistance, such as exhaust systems, structural components, and safety features, high-density stainless steel is favored due to its excellent strength.

Medical equipment: Depending on the needs of the specific device, high-density or low-density stainless steel may be used. Generally speaking, low-density stainless steel is more suitable for devices that require portability, while high-density stainless steel is selected for occasions that require higher strength. Surgical instruments and implants are selected based on different grades of stainless steel.

Construction industry: Due to the need for excellent strength and stability, high-density stainless steel is widely used in structural building applications, such as building frames, bridges, and support structures. This strong stainless steel material is required.

Food and beverage processing industry: For easier handling and processing of equipment, lower-density stainless steel is generally preferred, and processing equipment and tanks often use lighter stainless steel options.

Chemical Processing: Due to the need to handle corrosive chemicals, high-density stainless steel is favored by this industry for its excellent chemical resistance. Reaction vessels, pipes, and storage tanks are often made of this higher-density stainless steel.

Shipbuilding: In order to reduce the overall weight of the ship and improve fuel efficiency, low-density stainless steel alloys are preferred for the manufacture of ship hulls and ship equipment.

Density of Metals Chart

To understand the relative density of stainless steel, it’s useful to compare it with other metals:

What is mild steel density?

The density of mild steel is approximately 7.85 g/cm³ (7850 kg/m³). This value is typical for steels with low carbon content, often used in construction and fabrication due to its strength and malleability.

What is the density of carbon steel?

The density of carbon steel is typically around 7.85 g/cm³ (7850 kg/m³). This applies to most carbon steel types, including low, medium, and high carbon steels, with only slight variations depending on the specific composition and carbon content.

Titanium vs Stainless Steel Density:

• Titanium: Approximately 4.51 g/cm³ (4510 kg/m³).
• Stainless Steel (e.g., 304): Approximately 8.00 g/cm³ (8000 kg/m³).
• Comparison: Titanium is significantly lighter than stainless steel, about 44% lighter.

Carbon Steel vs Stainless Steel Density:

• Carbon Steel: Approximately 7.85 g/cm³ (7850 kg/m³).
• Stainless Steel (e.g., 304): Approximately 8.00 g/cm³ (8000 kg/m³).
• Comparison: Carbon steel is slightly lighter than stainless steel, with only a 2% difference in density.

Aluminum vs Stainless Steel Density:

• Comparison: Aluminum is significantly lighter than stainless steel, about 66% lighter.
• Aluminum: Approximately 2.70 g/cm³ (2700 kg/m³).
• Stainless Steel (e.g., 304): Approximately 8.00 g/cm³ (8000 kg/m³).

Get Satisfactory Stainless Steel！

As a professional steel supplier, SteelPRO Group can help you choose the right stainless steel for your needs. If you are not sure what density or grade of stainless steel you should choose, please contact us and we will be happy to help you.