Hydrometer, Density

Quick Answer: The LabEquip Density Hydrometer measures and displays liquid density directly in density units (such as g/mL or kg/L), rather than the dimensionless specific-gravity ratio used by specific gravity hydrometers. It is built for chemical, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications where an absolute density figure is needed rather than a ratio relative to water.

Product Description

This hydrometer works on the same buoyancy principle as other hydrometers — it floats at a depth set by the liquid’s density, and the reading is taken at the liquid surface against a printed glass stem scale. The key difference is what the scale actually shows: a density hydrometer’s stem is graduated directly in density units (grams per millilitre or an equivalent), giving an absolute measurement of the liquid, rather than the dimensionless ratio to water that a specific-gravity instrument reports.

What Makes This Instrument Distinct

Within our hydrometer range, this instrument is distinguished by its density-unit scale, as opposed to our specific-gravity instruments such as the Hydrometer, Specific Gravity, Industry and the Hydrometer, Specific Gravity, Analytical, both of which read a dimensionless ratio relative to water rather than an absolute density figure. A density-unit scale can be more directly useful where a formulation, recipe, or process specification is written in mass-per-volume terms rather than as a specific-gravity ratio. We have not independently verified the exact density range or graduation interval printed on this particular listing’s stem — please confirm the precise range with our sales team before specifying it for a process or quality document.

Specifications

Care & Maintenance

• Handle by the stem only — avoid gripping or knocking the weighted bulb.
• Rinse with clean water and dry immediately after each use to prevent residue from affecting future readings.
• Store upright in a padded case away from other glassware to avoid chips or scratches on the graduated scale.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes when moving between samples, as thermal shock can crack the glass.
• Periodically check calibration against a known-density reference liquid as part of routine QC.

Why Choose LabEquip

LabEquip supplies laboratory and educational measuring instruments with straightforward, honest specifications and responsive support. For related density and specific-gravity instruments, see our Hydrometer, Specific Gravity, Industry, our Hydrometer, Specific Gravity, Analytical, and our full Measuring Instruments category. Reach our sales team any time at [email protected] to confirm exact scale range, quantities, and pricing for your requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a density hydrometer different from a specific gravity hydrometer?
A density hydrometer’s scale is graduated directly in density units (such as g/mL), giving an absolute reading, while a specific gravity hydrometer reports a dimensionless ratio of the liquid’s density relative to water.

What is the working principle?
It uses the same buoyancy principle as all hydrometers — the instrument floats at a depth determined by the liquid’s density, and the reading is taken at the surface against the printed scale.

When would I choose density units over specific gravity?
Density units can be more directly useful when a formulation, recipe, or process specification is already written in mass-per-volume terms rather than as a specific-gravity ratio.

What is the exact density range on this listing?
We have not independently verified the precise range or graduation interval for this specific listing. Please contact our sales team at [email protected] to confirm before specifying it for a process or QC document.

Does temperature affect the reading?
Yes, liquid density is temperature-sensitive, so readings are most accurate when taken at the specified reference temperature.

How should I clean and store it?
Rinse and dry it after each use, handle it by the stem only, and store it upright in a padded case away from other glassware to prevent chips that could affect readings.

Last Updated: September 2026