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Planetary Density Calculator
Calculate the average density of a planet to determine if it is likely rocky or gaseous.
Earth ≈ 5.97e24 kg.
Earth ≈ 6371 km.
Average Density
5.51 g/cm³
Water = 1.0 g/cm³
What Density Tells Us
Average density is a key clue to a planet's internal composition. By comparing the mass and volume, astronomers can infer what a world is made of.
Composition Clues
- Rocky Planets (like Earth): Typically have densities between 3.0 and 5.5 g/cm³.
- Gas Giants (like Jupiter): Have low densities, often around 0.7 to 1.3 g/cm³.
- Icy Worlds: Usually fall in the 1.5 to 2.5 g/cm³ range.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which planet is less dense than water?
Saturn has a density of about 0.69 g/cm³, meaning it would theoretically float in a giant bathtub of water!
What is the densest planet in the solar system?
Earth is the densest major planet, due to its large iron-nickel core and gravitational compression.