Density is a fundamental physical property defined as mass per unit volume. In engineering, selecting the correct unit system is critical for ensuring precision in material science, fluid dynamics, and structural analysis.
Pound per cubic foot (lb/ft³): This is the standard unit of density in the US Customary System. It is widely utilized in civil engineering, construction, and HVAC design to specify the weight of materials like concrete, soil, and insulation.
Gram per cubic centimeter (g/cm³): Part of the CGS (centimeter-gram-second) system, this unit is the scientific standard. It is equivalent to grams per milliliter (g/mL) and is frequently used in chemistry, physics, and manufacturing to describe the density of solids and liquids.
To convert between these systems, we use the conversion factor \(1 \text{ lb/ft}^3 \approx 0.016018463 \text{ g/cm}^3\). This relationship is derived from the conversion of pounds to grams and feet to centimeters, where \(1 \text{ lb} \approx 453.592 \text{ g}\) and \(1 \text{ ft}^3 \approx 28316.8 \text{ cm}^3\).
Pound per cubic foot to Gram per cubic centimeter Conversion Reference Table
Pound per cubic foot (lb/ft³)
Gram per cubic centimeter (g/cm³)
0.1
0.0016
0.5
0.008
1.0
0.016
2.0
0.032
5.0
0.0801
10.0
0.1602
20.0
0.3204
50.0
0.8009
100.0
1.6018
500.0
8.0092
1000.0
16.0185
Conversion Example: 10 lb/ft³ to g/cm³
To convert a density value from lb/ft³ to g/cm³, multiply the given value by the conversion factor 0.016018463.
Therefore, 10 lb/ft³ is equal to approximately 0.1602 g/cm³.
This factor is derived by dividing the number of grams in a pound (453.59237) by the number of cubic centimeters in a cubic foot (28316.846592). It provides the precise ratio required to translate imperial density measurements into the metric CGS system.
Yes, they are numerically equivalent. Since 1 gram is 0.001 kilograms and 1 cubic centimeter is 0.000001 cubic meters, the conversion factor between g/cm³ and kg/m³ is exactly 1000. For example, 1 g/cm³ equals 1000 kg/m³.
"On fait la science avec des faits, comme on fait une maison avec des pierres ; mais une accumulation de faits n'est pas plus une science qu'un tas de pierres n'est une maison." "Science is built up of facts, as a house is built of stones; but an accumulation of facts is no more a science than a heap of stones is a house." — Henri Poincaré (French Mathematician, Theoretical Physicist & Mining Engineer)