Milk

Milk Density Calculator

Calculate specific gravity and density of milk using CLR (Corrected Lactometer Reading) and temperature.

Milk Density Calculator

Calculate the density of milk from CLR and temperature.

°C
Temperature standard is 27°C
Formula
(clr / 1000) + 1
clr Corrected Lactometer Reading (CLR)
temperature Temperature (°C)
Worked Example
1
Given:
clr = 28
temperature = 27
2
Apply the formula:
(clr / 1000) + 1
3
Result:1.028 g/mL

What is Milk Density?

Milk density or specific gravity is a measure of the mass of milk compared to water. It is a critical parameter in the dairy industry used to detect water addition (adulteration) and to convert volume (liters) into weight (kilograms).

Average specific gravity of cow milk ranges from 1.028 to 1.030 g/mL, and buffalo milk ranges from 1.030 to 1.032 g/mL at 27°C.

Specific Gravity Formula

Specific Gravity = (CLR ÷ 1000) + 1

Where CLR is the Corrected Lactometer Reading at 27°C. To convert specific gravity to density in kg/m³, multiply by 1000.

Frequently Asked Questions

The density of cow milk at 20°C is typically 1.028 – 1.034 g/mL (or 1028–1034 kg/m³).

  • Full cream cow milk: 1.028 – 1.030 g/mL
  • Buffalo milk: 1.030 – 1.034 g/mL (higher fat + higher SNF)
  • Skim milk: 1.033 – 1.036 g/mL (fat removal increases density)

Milk density decreases as temperature increases (thermal expansion).

Correction factor: approximately 0.0002 g/mL per °C

For accurate density measurement, always note the sample temperature and convert to a standard reference (usually 20°C). This is why temperature correction is essential for density-based fat or SNF estimation.

Density testing helps detect water adulteration (density drops below 1.026) and skim milk addition (density rises above 1.034 in full cream milk). However, simultaneous addition of water and starch can mask density changes. Always combine density testing with fat and SNF tests for reliable adulteration screening.
  • Lactometer — glass float instrument calibrated for milk (most common in Indian dairies)
  • Digital density meter — precise to 4 decimal places, used in quality labs
  • Milk analyzer (FOSS, Milkotester) — provides density along with fat, SNF, and other parameters simultaneously
  • Skim milk (0.05% fat): ~1.034 – 1.036 g/mL
  • Half cream (2% fat): ~1.030 – 1.032 g/mL
  • Light cream (20% fat): ~1.010 – 1.015 g/mL
  • Heavy cream (40% fat): ~0.994 – 1.005 g/mL

Higher fat content = lower density (fat is less dense than the aqueous phase of milk).

CLR Calculator
SNF Calculator