Buoyancy Calculator
Calculate buoyant force and whether an object will float or sink.
Enter object volume, object density, and fluid density.
Buoyancy Result
Archimedes’ Principle: An object submerged in fluid experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of fluid displaced.
Buoyant Force = ρ_fluid × V × g
Where:
- ρ_fluid = fluid density
- V = volume of object submerged
- g = gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²)
Will it float?
- Object density < fluid density → Floats (net upward force)
- Object density = fluid density → Neutrally buoyant
- Object density > fluid density → Sinks (net downward force)
Percent submerged (if floating):
% Submerged = (ρ_object / ρ_fluid) × 100
Common fluid densities (kg/m³):
| Fluid | Density |
|---|---|
| Fresh water | 1,000 |
| Salt water | 1,025 |
| Mercury | 13,600 |
| Oil (cooking) | 920 |
Common object densities (kg/m³):
| Material | Density |
|---|---|
| Ice | 917 |
| Wood (oak) | 600–900 |
| Steel | 7,850 |
| Aluminum | 2,700 |
| Human body | ~1,010 |