As a mixer manufacturing company, we understand how important it is for our customers to know the bulk density of their materials. Bulk density plays a crucial role in determining machine’s volume, packaging volume, transport requirements, storage capacity, and even performance in downstream processes. Fortunately, measuring bulk density is a simple process that can be done using just a few tools and a straightforward formula.

What is bulk density?

Bulk density is defined as the mass of a material divided by the total volume it occupies, including both the particles and the spaces between them. The formula looks as following:

Step-by-Step Example: Measuring Bulk Density of a Powder Mixture

Let’s walk through a real example from our customer using a powder mixture used for dental chews:

What you’ll need for measuring :

• A known-volume container (preferably marked with liter measurements)
• A digital scale
• Your well-mixed powder sample

Step 1: Weigh the Empty Container

Weigh your container when it’s completely empty. In our example, the empty plastic bucket weighs: 1.8 kg

Step 2: Fill the Container with Material

Fill the container to a specific volume marking. We used the 15-liter (15L) mark.

Step 3: Weigh the Filled Container

Place the filled container on the same scale. In our case, the weight was: 11.8 kg

Step 4: Subtract the Weight of the Empty Container

Now, subtract the empty container’s weight to find the net weight of the material:

11.8kg−1.8kg=10kg

Step 5: Calculate the Bulk Density

Use the formula:

Final Result:

Bulk Density = 0.6667 kg/L

Why It Matters:

Knowing your product’s bulk density helps:

• Optimize batching and mixing times
• Ensure consistent fill weights in packaging
• Improve transport and storage planning
• Maintain product quality from batch to batch

Pro Tips:

• Always use a container with clear volume markings.
• Make sure your material is well-mixed before testing.
• Tap or level the container lightly to ensure consistent packing without compressing the powder.
• Repeat the process a few times and average the values for better accuracy.

If you need help determining the bulk density of your materials—or want to improve your mixing consistency—don’t hesitate to contact us. Our equipment is engineered to deliver the precision and repeatability your process deserves.