Population Density Calculator – Calculate People Per Area
Calculate population density in various area units
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Enter the total population of the area
- Enter the land area size
- Select the area unit (km², mi², m², hectares, or acres)
- Click calculate to see the population density
- View results in multiple units for comparison
What is Population Density?
Population density is a measurement of the number of people living in a given area, typically expressed as people per square kilometer or square mile. It's calculated by dividing the total population by the total land area.
The formula is: Population Density = Total Population ÷ Total Area
Population Density Categories
| Category | Density (per km²) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Very Low | < 10 | Rural areas, deserts, tundra |
| Low | 10 - 50 | Agricultural regions, small towns |
| Moderate | 50 - 200 | Suburban areas, medium cities |
| High | 200 - 1,000 | Urban areas, large cities |
| Very High | > 1,000 | Dense urban cores, megacities |
Area Unit Conversions
- 1 square kilometer = 100 hectares
- 1 square kilometer = 247.105 acres
- 1 square mile = 2.59 square kilometers
- 1 square mile = 640 acres
- 1 hectare = 2.471 acres
- 1 hectare = 10,000 square meters
Factors Affecting Population Density
- Climate and weather conditions
- Availability of water resources
- Terrain and topography
- Economic opportunities and employment
- Transportation infrastructure
- Historical settlement patterns
- Government policies and urban planning
- Natural resources and agricultural potential
Applications of Population Density
- Urban planning and zoning decisions
- Infrastructure development planning
- Resource allocation and public services
- Environmental impact assessments
- Real estate and property valuation
- Epidemiological studies and health planning
- Market research and business location decisions
- Transportation and traffic planning
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a good population density?
- There's no single 'good' density—it depends on context. Rural areas typically have 1-50 people/km², suburbs 50-500, and urban areas 500-10,000+. Higher density can mean better services but also more congestion.
- How do I calculate population density for irregular areas?
- First determine the total area using mapping tools or official data, then divide the population by that area. For irregular shapes, GIS software can help calculate precise areas.
- Why do some areas have very high population density?
- High density often results from economic opportunities, historical factors, limited land availability (islands, coastal areas), good climate, and infrastructure investment. Cities like Hong Kong and Singapore have very high densities due to limited land.
- What's the difference between population density and population distribution?
- Population density measures how many people live per unit area, while population distribution describes how people are spread across a region—whether clustered, dispersed, or linear along features like rivers or roads.