
Tungsten, symbolized as W in the periodic table and named after the Swedish words for “heavy stone,” is renowned for its remarkable density among the elements. Understanding tungsten’s density is crucial for industries such as aerospace, military, and manufacturing, where its attributes are leveraged to achieve high performance and reliability.
Basic Properties of Tungsten
Tungsten, with the chemical symbol W and atomic number 74, is a transition metal renowned for its robustness and thermal stability. It has the highest melting point of all metals, at 3422°C (More information about the melting point of tungsten), and maintains excellent mechanical strength even at elevated temperatures. These properties make tungsten invaluable in scenarios where extreme conditions are present.
What is the Density of Tungsten?
The density of tungsten is approximately 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) at room temperature. This makes it one of the densest naturally occurring elements. In comparison to other metals, tungsten’s density is significantly higher; for instance, it is about 1.7 times denser than lead (11.35 g/cm³) and almost 2.5 times denser than iron (7.87 g/cm³).
The high density of tungsten is a result of its atomic structure. Tungsten atoms are packed closely together, with each atom having a high atomic mass of 183.84 atomic mass units (amu). The strong forces holding these atoms together contribute to the element’s substantial density.
Density of Tungsten lb/in³
The density of tungsten is approximately 0.699 pounds per cubic inch (lb/in³).
Density of Tungsten kg/m³
The density of tungsten is approximately 19,300 kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).

The Role of Density in Tungsten’s Properties
The high density of tungsten contributes to several of its notable properties:
- High Melting Point: Tungsten has the highest melting point of any element, at 3422°C (6192°F). Its density plays a role in maintaining stability and structural integrity at high temperatures.
- Strength and Hardness: The dense atomic packing results in a metal that is extremely hard and strong. Tungsten’s density contributes to its high tensile strength, making it suitable for applications requiring durability.
- Radiation Shielding: Due to its density, tungsten is effective as a radiation shield. It is used in medical imaging and radiation therapy to protect patients and equipment from harmful radiation.
Density Variations in Tungsten Alloys
While pure tungsten has a density of 19.25 g/cm³, tungsten alloys can exhibit variations in density based on their composition:
- Tungsten-Carbide (WC) Alloys: These alloys, composed of tungsten and carbon, have a density ranging from 14 to 15 g/cm³. Tungsten-carbide is known for its hardness and is commonly used in cutting tools and mining equipment.
- Heavy Metal Alloys: Tungsten-based heavy metal alloys, which may include elements like nickel and iron, can have densities approaching or slightly below that of pure tungsten. These alloys are often used in counterweights and ballast applications.
Density of Tungsten vs Lead
Tungsten’s higher density means that for a given volume, it will be significantly heavier than lead. For example, a cubic centimeter of tungsten will weigh approximately 19.25 grams, while the same volume of lead will weigh about 11.35 grams (More information about lead density).
Tungsten is generally considered more environmentally friendly and safer to handle compared to lead. Lead is toxic and poses significant health risks, leading to stricter regulations and limited use in many industries. Tungsten, on the other hand, does not have the same level of health hazards and is more suitable for a broader range of applications.

Applications of Tungsten’s Density
The high density of tungsten plays a crucial role in a variety of applications across different industries. Its unique properties make it suitable for use in demanding environments where other materials might fall short.
Aerospace Engineering
In aerospace applications, tungsten’s high density is leveraged to create compact, effective counterweights and ballast. The density allows for smaller, lighter components that provide the necessary weight and balance for aircraft and spacecraft.
Product Examples:
- Aircraft engine counterweights
- Wing balance weights
- Landing gear weights
- Stabilizer weights
- Satellite balance weights
- Vibration dampers
Defense and Military
Tungsten’s density is particularly valuable in the defense sector. It is used in armor-piercing ammunition and projectiles, where its high mass and hardness enable it to penetrate armored targets more effectively.
Product Examples:
- Armor-piercing shells
- Kinetic energy penetrators
- Tungsten core bullets
- Penetrator rods
- Anti-tank projectiles
- Military training rounds
Electronics and Electrical Engineering
In electronics, tungsten’s density, coupled with its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, makes it an ideal material for various components. Tungsten is used in electrical contacts, filaments for light bulbs, and heat sinks.
Product Examples:
- Tungsten filaments for light bulbs
- Tungsten contacts in switches
- Tungsten wire in electron microscopes
- Tungsten anodes in X-ray tubes
- Tungsten electrodes in welding
- Tungsten contacts in relays
Medical Applications
Tungsten’s density is utilized in medical fields, particularly in radiation therapy and imaging. Its effectiveness as a radiation shield helps protect patients and medical equipment from harmful radiation.
Product Examples:
- X-ray machine shielding
- CT scanner shielding
- Radiation therapy collimators
- Gamma camera shielding
- PET scanner shielding
- X-ray protective aprons
Mining and Manufacturing
In the mining industry, tungsten’s density is used in cutting tools and wear-resistant equipment. Tungsten-carbide tools are highly valued for their hardness and durability, making them suitable for drilling, cutting, and grinding applications.
Product Examples:
- Tungsten carbide drill bits
- Tungsten carbide mining picks
- Tungsten carbide inserts
- Tungsten carbide blades
- Tungsten carbide burs
- Tungsten carbide grinding wheels
Challenges and Considerations
Despite its advantages, tungsten’s high density can pose challenges in manufacturing and handling. The metal is hard and brittle, which can make it difficult to machine and shape. These properties necessitate the use of specialized equipment and techniques to work with tungsten effectively.
Furthermore, tungsten’s density can impact the design and functionality of products. In applications where weight needs to be minimized, tungsten’s density might be a disadvantage, prompting engineers to seek alternative materials or composite solutions.
Conclusion
In summary, tungsten’s high density is a key factor that defines its physical properties and influences its applications. With a density of around 19.3 g/cm³, tungsten stands out as one of the densest metals, finding crucial roles in aerospace, defense, and various high-tech industries. Understanding tungsten’s density and its implications is essential for leveraging its properties effectively and addressing the challenges associated with its use.
More Resources:
is tungsten magnetic – Source: BOYI
Tungsten — Source: Wikipedia
FAQ
Tungsten hexafluoride (WF₆) is a chemical compound where tungsten is in its hexavalent state. The density of tungsten hexafluoride is approximately 11.0 grams per liter (g/L) at standard temperature and pressure (STP). This relatively low density compared to elemental tungsten is due to its gaseous state under standard conditions.
The density of tungsten is approximately 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³), while gold has a density of about 19.32 g/cm³. Although the densities are very close, tungsten is slightly less dense than gold.
Tungsten is not the densest metal. The densest metals are osmium (22.59 g/cm³) and iridium (22.56 g/cm³) .
Catalog: Materials Guide

This article was written by engineers from the BOYI team. Fuquan Chen is a professional engineer and technical expert with 20 years of experience in rapid prototyping, mold manufacturing, and plastic injection molding.