Specific Volume Converter

Convert specific volume between m³/kg, L/kg, cm³/g, mL/g, ft³/lb, in³/lb, and US gal/lb for thermodynamics and density-inverse checks.

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Specific volume converter Convert positive specific volume between metric and imperial units for thermodynamics, fluid-property tables, gas work, and density-inverse checks.

Common presets

Inverse of density

Specific volume is volume per unit mass, so it is the reciprocal of density when the same conditions and unit systems are used. This is why low-density gases have much larger specific-volume values than liquids.

Property translation only

This page converts the stated property value only. It does not predict new fluid properties after temperature, pressure, or composition changes.

Enter a specific volume Provide a non-negative specific volume to compare the supported unit systems.

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Thermodynamic Properties

Specific volume converter: m³/kg, L/kg, ft³/lb, and reciprocal-density units explained

A specific volume converter rewrites volume-per-mass values in the unit a thermodynamics table, fluid-property chart, or engineering workflow expects. Specific volume is widely used in gas and steam work, and it is easy to confuse with ordinary volume unless the units stay explicit.

What specific volume means

Specific volume is volume per unit mass. It tells you how much space one unit of mass occupies under the stated conditions, which is why it appears in thermodynamics and fluid-property references.

The quantity can be written as m³/kg, L/kg, cm³/g, or ft³/lb without changing the underlying state. The unit choice changes the reporting scale, not the physical property.

v = V / m

Defines specific volume as volume divided by mass.

v = 1 / ρ

Shows that specific volume is the reciprocal of density when the same conditions and units are used.

1 L/kg = 1 cm³/g = 1 mL/g

Links the equivalent metric specific-volume expressions supported here.

Why it overlaps with density but is still worth separating

Specific volume and density are reciprocal quantities, so they describe the same state from opposite directions. That is why the numbers move inversely and why this page sits close to the density converter in the product.

The distinction is still useful because many thermodynamic tables, steam charts, and gas-property references publish specific volume directly. When a workflow already starts with `m³/kg` or `ft³/lb`, converting within that quantity avoids an unnecessary reciprocal step.

Conditions still matter

Specific volume is not a universal constant for a material. Temperature, pressure, and composition can change it materially, especially for gases and vapors.

This page converts the stated property value only. It does not predict what the property becomes after a process change.

Further reading

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between specific volume and density?

They are reciprocal quantities. Density is mass per volume, while specific volume is volume per mass. Both describe the same state from opposite directions.

 Why are L/kg, cm³/g, and mL/g numerically the same?

Those metric expressions are equivalent because 1 L = 1,000 cm³ = 1,000 mL and 1 kg = 1,000 g, so the scaling cancels out exactly.

 Is gal/lb here a US gallon or an imperial gallon?

This page uses US gallons per pound. Imperial gallons are different and should be labeled separately if needed.

 Can I use this page to predict specific volume at a new temperature or pressure?

No. This page converts a stated value between units only. Property changes with temperature, pressure, or composition need a separate thermodynamic model or table.

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