Kilograms per cubic meter and grams per cubic centimeter
The kilogram per cubic meter is the SI unit of density. Engineering tables list densities of air (about 1.2 kg/m³), water, metals and concrete in kg/m³.
A gram per cubic centimeter equals 1,000 kg/m³ and is numerically equal to kg/L. Chemistry, geology and material datasheets give densities in g/cm³ (water is about 1, steel about 7.85).
Worked example
Convert 7,850 kg/m³: 7,850 × 0.001 = 7.85, so 7,850 kilograms per cubic meter is 7.85 grams per cubic centimeter. Likewise 1,000 kg/m³ = 1 g/cm³.
Estimating in your head
The factor is a power of ten, so just move the decimal point 3 places to the left: 7,850 kg/m³ = 7.85 g/cm³.
Going the other way
To convert grams per cubic centimeter to kilograms per cubic meter, divide by 0.001 (or multiply by 1,000).
How this works
g/cm³ = kg/m³ × 0.001
1 kg/m³ = 1 kg/m³ and 1 g/cm³ = 1,000 kg/m³, both by definition, so the factor is their ratio: 0.001 exactly. Results drop binary floating-point noise beyond 15 significant digits and display at the precision you choose (6 significant figures by default). Copy result copies the full value.
Frequently asked
How many grams per cubic centimeter are in a kilogram per cubic meter?
1 kilogram per cubic meter = 0.001 grams per cubic centimeter, exactly. The value follows from the unit definitions, so it never changes.
How do I convert kilograms per cubic meter to grams per cubic centimeter?
Multiply by 0.001. For example, 1,000 kg/m³ × 0.001 = 1 g/cm³.
What is 10,000 kg/m³ in grams per cubic centimeter?
10,000 kg/m³ = 10 g/cm³. The table next to the converter lists more common values.
Is the result rounded?
Only on screen. The page computes with the exact definitions and removes floating-point noise past 15 significant digits; pick 3 to 12 significant figures, or use Copy result for the full value.
Sources
- NIST SP 811 Appendix B.8 — Factors for units listed alphabetically
- NIST SP 811 Appendix B.9 — Factors for units listed by kind of quantity
- Wikipedia — Density
Reviewed Oct 17, 2026 · test vectors fixtures/units/density/kg-m3-to-g-cm3/