Science & Engineering

Specific Gravity (with API & Baume)

Compute specific gravity from a substance's density against a reference fluid, water at 4 C by default. API gravity for petroleum and the Baume scale are returned too.

How to use

Enter the substance density.
Set the reference fluid, or keep water at 4 C.
Check the API and Baume values if you need them.

Substance density

Density unit

Reference fluid

Preset (kg/m³)

Specific gravity (SG)

1.0000

Neutral buoyancy with the reference fluid

Density

1,000 kg/m³

API gravity (oils)

10.00 °API

Baumé scale

0.00 °Bé

For study and estimation. Verify against authoritative data before relying on a result.

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Common questions

What is specific gravity?

It is the ratio of a substance's density to a reference fluid, usually water at 4 C, so it has no units.

What is API gravity?

API gravity is a petroleum-industry scale derived from specific gravity, where higher numbers mean a lighter, less dense oil.