Brass is one of the most widely used engineering alloys in the world — found in everything from plumbing fittings and musical instruments to precision CNC components and naval hardware. One of its most practically important properties is density, which directly impacts weight calculations, material selection, cost estimation, and machinability in manufacturing.
In this complete guide, you’ll find the density of brass in all common units (g/cm³, kg/m³, and lb/in³), density values for 10+ specific brass alloys, a full comparison against other metals, and clear explanations of why density matters for real-world engineering applications.
What Is the Density of Brass?
The density of brass ranges from approximately 8.4 to 8.85 g/cm³ (8,400–8,850 kg/m³ or 0.303–0.320 lb/in³), depending on the specific alloy composition. This range exists because brass is not a single material — it is a family of copper-zinc alloys, each with a different ratio of constituents and sometimes additional elements like lead, tin, or aluminum.
Quick Reference — Typical Brass Density:
- g/cm³: 8.4 – 8.85
- kg/m³: 8,400 – 8,850
- lb/in³: 0.303 – 0.320
- lb/ft³: 524 – 552
For most general engineering calculations where the exact alloy is unspecified, a nominal density of 8.5 g/cm³ (8,500 kg/m³ or 0.307 lb/in³) is widely accepted as a reliable approximation.
Physical Context: How Dense Is Brass?
To put brass density in perspective — it is roughly 2.3× denser than aluminum, slightly denser than most steels, but notably less dense than copper (8.96 g/cm³). This positions brass as a moderately heavy metal, heavy enough to provide a quality “feel” in consumer products, yet light enough to be preferred over pure copper in weight-sensitive applications.
Density of Different Brass Alloys
Because brass encompasses dozens of standardized alloys, each with its own precise composition, the density varies meaningfully from one grade to the next. The table below covers the most commonly used brass alloys in manufacturing, with density values in all three major unit systems.
| Brass Grade | Common Name | Composition | Density (g/cm³) | Density (kg/m³) | Density (lb/in³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C22000 | Commercial Bronze | 90% Cu, 10% Zn | 8.80 | 8,800 | 0.318 |
| C23000 | Red Brass | 85% Cu, 15% Zn | 8.75 | 8,750 | 0.316 |
| C24000 | Low Brass | 80% Cu, 20% Zn | 8.67 | 8,670 | 0.313 |
| C26000 | Cartridge Brass | 70% Cu, 30% Zn | 8.53 | 8,530 | 0.308 |
| C27000 | Yellow Brass | 65% Cu, 35% Zn | 8.47 | 8,470 | 0.306 |
| C28000 | Muntz Metal | 60% Cu, 40% Zn | 8.39 | 8,390 | 0.303 |
| C33000 | Low-Lead Brass Tube | 66% Cu, 33.5% Zn, 0.5% Pb | 8.50 | 8,500 | 0.307 |
| C36000 | Free-Cutting Brass | 61.5% Cu, 35.5% Zn, 3% Pb | 8.50 | 8,500 | 0.307 |
| C46400 | Naval Brass | 60% Cu, 39.25% Zn, 0.75% Sn | 8.41 | 8,410 | 0.304 |
| C48200 | Naval Brass (Medium-Leaded) | 60.5% Cu, 37.5% Zn, 1.75% Pb, 0.75% Sn | 8.44 | 8,440 | 0.305 |
| C67500 | Manganese Brass | 58.5% Cu, 39% Zn, 1.4% Fe, 1% Sn, 0.1% Mn | 8.50 | 8,500 | 0.307 |
| C68700 | Aluminum Brass | 77.5% Cu, 20.5% Zn, 2% Al | 8.33 | 8,330 | 0.301 |
Key Observations from the Table
Higher copper content = higher density. C22000 Commercial Bronze (90% Cu) sits at 8.80 g/cm³, while C28000 Muntz Metal (60% Cu, 40% Zn) drops to 8.39 g/cm³. This is a direct consequence of copper’s higher atomic weight compared to zinc.
Lead additions have minimal density impact. C36000 Free-Cutting Brass contains 3% lead yet has the same nominal density (8.50 g/cm³) as lead-free C26000 Cartridge Brass. Lead’s density (11.34 g/cm³) is high, but at 3% by weight, its contribution to the overall alloy density is offset by the slight reduction in copper content.
Aluminum additions reduce density. C68700 Aluminum Brass, which contains 2% aluminum (density: 2.70 g/cm³), has the lowest density in this table at 8.33 g/cm³. This makes aluminum brass a preferred choice in applications where the lightest possible brass is desired, such as in condenser tubing.
How Composition Affects Brass Density
Brass density is not arbitrary — it follows predictable metallurgical principles governed by the atomic weights and crystal structures of the constituent elements.
The Role of Zinc Content
Zinc (density: 7.13 g/cm³) is less dense than copper (density: 8.96 g/cm³). Therefore, as the zinc content of a brass alloy increases, the overall density decreases in a broadly linear fashion. This relationship is visible across the standard alloy series:
- C22000 (10% Zn) → 8.80 g/cm³
- C26000 (30% Zn) → 8.53 g/cm³
- C28000 (40% Zn) → 8.39 g/cm³
Each 10% increase in zinc content reduces brass density by approximately 0.13–0.15 g/cm³. This relationship is useful for engineering estimation when working with non-standard brass compositions.
The Role of Lead Additions
Lead (density: 11.34 g/cm³) is denser than both copper and zinc. In theory, adding lead should increase brass density. In practice, however, leaded brasses (such as C36000 with 3% Pb) do not show a significant density increase because:
- The lead percentage is small (typically 0.5–3.5%)
- Lead exists as discrete globules within the brass matrix rather than forming a true solid solution, so it doesn’t contribute to density as efficiently as a dissolved element would
The primary purpose of lead in brass is to dramatically improve machinability (chip breaking), not to modify density.
The Role of Tin (Naval Brass)
Tin (density: 7.27 g/cm³) is added to brass alloys like C46400 Naval Brass to improve corrosion resistance in seawater environments — a property known as dezincification resistance. Tin is slightly less dense than zinc, so its addition has a minor density-reducing effect compared to equivalent zinc additions.
The Role of Aluminum
Aluminum (density: 2.70 g/cm³) is far less dense than any other common alloying element in brass. Even small additions (1–2%) measurably reduce density. Beyond density, aluminum dramatically improves oxidation resistance and strength, making aluminum brass popular in heat exchanger and marine tubing applications.
How Temperature Affects Brass Density
Brass density is not a fixed constant — it decreases as temperature rises, because thermal expansion causes the material to occupy a larger volume for the same mass.
| Temperature | Approx. Density of C26000 Brass |
|---|---|
| −20°C (−4°F) | ~8.56 g/cm³ |
| 20°C (68°F) — Standard | 8.53 g/cm³ |
| 100°C (212°F) | ~8.50 g/cm³ |
| 200°C (392°F) | ~8.46 g/cm³ |
| 300°C (572°F) | ~8.42 g/cm³ |
The coefficient of thermal expansion for brass is approximately 19–21 × 10⁻⁶/°C, which is higher than for steel (~12 × 10⁻⁶/°C) and similar to aluminum (~23 × 10⁻⁶/°C).
Practical Implications
In precision engineering applications — such as close-tolerance CNC machined brass fittings or gauge blocks — thermal expansion must be accounted for. A brass part measured to specification at 20°C will be slightly larger (and therefore slightly less dense) at elevated operating temperatures. For most commercial applications this effect is negligible, but in aerospace and metrology applications it is a critical design consideration.
Brass Density vs. Other Metals
Understanding how brass density compares to other common engineering metals is essential for material selection decisions.
| Metal / Alloy | Density (g/cm³) | Density (kg/m³) | Density (lb/in³) | vs. Brass (C26000) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnesium | 1.74 | 1,740 | 0.063 | −79% lighter |
| Aluminum (6061) | 2.70 | 2,700 | 0.098 | −68% lighter |
| Titanium | 4.51 | 4,510 | 0.163 | −47% lighter |
| Carbon Steel (mild) | 7.85 | 7,850 | 0.284 | −8% lighter |
| Stainless Steel 304 | 8.00 | 8,000 | 0.289 | −6% lighter |
| Brass C26000 | 8.53 | 8,530 | 0.308 | — |
| Nickel | 8.91 | 8,910 | 0.322 | +4% heavier |
| Copper | 8.96 | 8,960 | 0.324 | +5% heavier |
| Bronze (C93200) | 8.93 | 8,930 | 0.322 | +5% heavier |
| Lead | 11.34 | 11,340 | 0.410 | +33% heavier |
| Tungsten | 19.30 | 19,300 | 0.697 | +126% heavier |
| Gold | 19.32 | 19,320 | 0.698 | +127% heavier |
Brass vs. Copper Density
Copper has a density of 8.96 g/cm³ — approximately 5% higher than typical brass (8.53 g/cm³ for C26000). Since brass is essentially copper alloyed with lower-density zinc, this result is expected. In applications where pure copper is traditionally used but weight savings are desired — such as electrical busbars or heat exchanger tubes — certain brass alloys can serve as viable substitutes with a small weight advantage.
Brass vs. Steel Density
Brass (8.4–8.85 g/cm³) is heavier than carbon steel (~7.85 g/cm³) and stainless steel 304 (~8.0 g/cm³). This is a common point of confusion, as steel is generally perceived as a “heavier” material. For the same volume, a brass component will weigh approximately 6–9% more than an equivalent steel part. This matters in applications such as automotive or aerospace components where every gram counts.
Brass vs. Aluminum Density
Aluminum alloys (2.60–2.90 g/cm³) are roughly 3× less dense than brass. This enormous difference explains why aluminum has largely replaced brass in weight-sensitive structural applications, even though brass offers superior corrosion resistance and a more premium aesthetic. For a given component volume, an aluminum part weighs about 32% as much as the same part made from brass.
Brass vs. Bronze Density
Brass and bronze are frequently confused with each other, and their densities are similar. Bronze (copper-tin alloy, such as C93200 bearing bronze) typically has a density of 8.80–8.95 g/cm³ — slightly higher than most brass alloys due to tin’s contribution and the higher copper content of most bronze grades. In practice, the density difference between brass and bronze is small enough that it rarely drives material selection; corrosion resistance, strength, and cost are more decisive factors.
How to Calculate Brass Density
The Density Formula
Density is defined as mass per unit volume:
ρ = m / V
Where:
- ρ = density (g/cm³, kg/m³, or lb/in³)
- m = mass of the brass object
- V = volume of the brass object
Step-by-Step Example
Scenario: You have a solid brass cylinder with a diameter of 3 cm, a length of 10 cm, and it weighs 607 grams. What is its density?
Step 1 — Calculate volume: Volume of a cylinder = π × r² × h = π × (1.5 cm)² × 10 cm = π × 2.25 × 10 = 70.69 cm³
Step 2 — Calculate density: ρ = m / V = 607 g ÷ 70.69 cm³ = 8.59 g/cm³
This result (8.59 g/cm³) is consistent with a high-copper brass alloy such as C23000 Red Brass, confirming the measurement is physically reasonable.
Unit Conversion Reference
| Unit | Conversion Factor from g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| kg/m³ | × 1,000 |
| lb/in³ | × 0.03613 |
| lb/ft³ | × 62.43 |
| g/L | × 1,000 |
Example conversions for C26000 Brass (8.53 g/cm³):
- 8.53 g/cm³ × 1,000 = 8,530 kg/m³
- 8.53 g/cm³ × 0.03613 = 0.308 lb/in³
- 8.53 g/cm³ × 62.43 = 532.9 lb/ft³
Estimating the Weight of a Brass Part
In manufacturing and purchasing, it’s common to need to estimate the weight of a brass component from its dimensions before it’s physically produced. The formula is:
Weight (kg) = Volume (m³) × Density (kg/m³)
For example, a brass plate 500 mm × 300 mm × 10 mm:
- Volume = 0.5 × 0.3 × 0.01 = 0.0015 m³
- Weight = 0.0015 m³ × 8,500 kg/m³ = 12.75 kg
This type of calculation is used daily in CNC machining shops to estimate raw material costs, shipping weights, and machine load ratings.
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Why Density Matters in Brass Applications
Brass density is not just a number on a datasheet — it has direct, practical consequences in engineering, manufacturing, and design.
Weight Estimation and Cost Control
Since brass is sold by weight, accurate density data is essential for estimating raw material costs. An engineer designing a precision brass valve body needs to know the volume of the component (from the CAD model) and the density of the specific alloy to calculate the exact material weight — and therefore the material cost — before committing to production.
Even a 1% error in assumed density across a production run of 10,000 parts can translate into significant cost overruns or underestimates.
CNC Machining and Precision Manufacturing
In CNC machining, the density of brass affects several process parameters:
- Cutting forces: Denser materials generally require higher cutting forces. The moderate density of brass (compared to steel) contributes to its reputation as one of the most machinable metals available.
- Tool wear: Lower-density brasses with higher zinc content tend to be slightly more abrasive, affecting tool life predictions.
- Chip formation: C36000 Free-Cutting Brass, with its 3% lead content, produces short, clean chips. Understanding the alloy density helps confirm material identity before machining begins.
Free-cutting brass (C36000) remains the benchmark for machinability, rated at 100% on the standard machinability index — partly because its density and composition result in ideal chip-breaking behavior.
Plumbing, Valves, and Fluid Systems
Brass fittings, valves, and connectors are ubiquitous in plumbing systems worldwide. The density of brass directly determines the weight of installed components, which matters in:
- Handheld plumbing tools (reducing user fatigue)
- Suspended piping systems (load calculations for support brackets)
- Large valve assemblies (installation equipment requirements)
Naval Brass (C46400), with its excellent resistance to dezincification in saltwater, is a preferred material in marine plumbing, offshore platforms, and desalination equipment. Its density of 8.41 g/cm³ must be factored into structural load calculations for these systems.
Electrical and Electronic Components
Brass is widely used in electrical connectors, terminal blocks, and contact pins because of its combination of moderate electrical conductivity, excellent machinability, and corrosion resistance. While copper has higher conductivity, brass’s density (lower than copper) means brass connectors are lighter for the same geometry — a benefit in miniaturized electronics and portable devices.
Musical Instruments
Perhaps the most visible consumer application of brass is in musical instruments — trumpets, trombones, French horns, and tubas. Instrument makers carefully select brass alloys with specific densities and acoustic properties. Yellow Brass (C27000, ~8.47 g/cm³) and Cartridge Brass (C26000, ~8.53 g/cm³) are the most common choices, as their density contributes to the resonance, tone, and “projection” characteristics of the instrument.
Architectural and Decorative Applications
In architecture and interior design, solid brass hardware (door handles, hinges, plumbing fixtures) commands a premium partly because of its weight — consumers associate the density-derived heft of brass with quality and durability. Understanding the density of specific brass grades helps architects and product designers specify hardware that delivers the expected tactile experience while meeting structural load requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the density of brass in g/cm³?
The density of brass ranges from 8.33 to 8.85 g/cm³ depending on alloy composition. For most general engineering purposes, a value of 8.5 g/cm³ is used as a standard approximation. High-copper brasses (such as C22000 with 90% Cu) approach 8.80 g/cm³, while high-zinc alloys like C28000 Muntz Metal (40% Zn) can be as low as 8.39 g/cm³.
Q: What is the density of brass in kg/m³?
The density of brass in SI units ranges from approximately 8,330 to 8,850 kg/m³. To convert from g/cm³ to kg/m³, simply multiply by 1,000. The most commonly referenced value for standard yellow brass is 8,500 kg/m³.
Q: What is the density of brass in lb/in³?
The density of brass in imperial units ranges from 0.301 to 0.320 lb/in³. For standard engineering calculations, 0.307–0.308 lb/in³ is a widely accepted working value for common brass alloys such as C26000 and C36000.
Q: Is brass denser than steel?
Yes — brass is denser than most steels. Common carbon steel has a density of approximately 7.85 g/cm³, and stainless steel 304 is approximately 8.00 g/cm³. Most brass alloys fall in the range of 8.4–8.85 g/cm³, making brass 6–12% heavier than steel for the same volume. This is a common misconception, as steel is widely perceived as the “heavier” metal in everyday experience.
Q: Is brass denser than copper?
No — copper is denser than brass. Pure copper has a density of 8.96 g/cm³, while brass ranges from 8.33 to 8.85 g/cm³. Since brass is made by adding zinc (density: 7.13 g/cm³) to copper, the resulting alloy is always less dense than pure copper. The greater the zinc content, the lower the density.
Q: What is the density of C360 free-cutting brass?
C36000 Free-Cutting Brass has a density of 8.50 g/cm³ (8,500 kg/m³ or 0.307 lb/in³). Despite containing 3% lead (which is denser than copper), the overall density is comparable to other mid-zinc brasses because the copper content is reduced to approximately 61.5% to accommodate the lead.
Q: What is the density of naval brass?
C46400 Naval Brass has a density of 8.41 g/cm³ (8,410 kg/m³ or 0.304 lb/in³). Naval brass contains a small amount of tin (approximately 0.75%) which improves resistance to dezincification in marine environments. The relatively high zinc content (39.25%) keeps the density near the lower end of the brass range.
Q: How does brass density compare to bronze?
Brass (8.33–8.85 g/cm³) and bronze (8.70–8.95 g/cm³) have similar densities, but bronze is generally slightly denser. This is because most bronze alloys are copper-tin systems with high copper content (85–95% Cu), whereas brass contains lower-density zinc. The density difference between brass and bronze for equivalent volume components is typically less than 5%.
Q: Why does brass density vary across different alloys?
Brass density varies because it is an alloy — a mixture of at least two metals. The principal alloying elements (zinc, lead, tin, aluminum, manganese) all have different densities than copper. As the proportions of these elements change from one alloy grade to the next, the bulk density of the resulting material changes accordingly. Higher zinc = lower density; higher copper = higher density.
Q: How do I convert brass density from g/cm³ to lb/in³?
To convert brass density from g/cm³ to lb/in³, multiply by 0.03613. For example: 8.5 g/cm³ × 0.03613 = 0.307 lb/in³. To convert in the other direction (lb/in³ to g/cm³), divide by 0.03613, or equivalently, multiply by 27.68.
Conclusion
The density of brass — ranging from 8.33 to 8.85 g/cm³ (8,330–8,850 kg/m³ or 0.301–0.320 lb/in³) — is a fundamental material property that underpins weight calculations, cost estimation, CNC machinability, and application suitability across dozens of industries.
The key takeaway is that there is no single “density of brass” — the value depends entirely on the specific alloy, with zinc content being the primary driver of density variation. For most practical purposes, a working value of 8.5 g/cm³ is an accurate and widely accepted approximation for standard yellow brass.
Whether you’re an engineer selecting material for a precision valve, a jeweler working with decorative hardware, or a machinist estimating raw material costs, understanding brass density — and which alloy it corresponds to — is an essential foundation for effective work with this versatile metal.
