# Density of supermassive black holes

So I know that supermassive black holes can have "densities" less than water because black hole density scales as $$1/m^2$$ since $$R_s = 2GM/c^2$$. I am trying to reconcile this with the fact that black holes are the most compact objects for a given mass.

For instance, if I had 6 billion solar masses of material and squeezed it to the Schwarzschild radius, I would have a black hole. However, by my statement above, if I had 6 billion solar masses of water, this would occupy a volume less than the Schwarzschild radius, but would not be a black hole. How does this work? I know black holes actually have singularities (etc), but where is the flaw in my classical model of just density = M/V?

• 6 billion solar masses of water would make a black hole. – Rob Jeffries Apr 10 at 19:36
• Aha, thank you! – theta Apr 10 at 19:40
• And apologies if you already know this, but at the very heavy masses of the type pictured today, observers may not even be aware they were moving inside the event horizon (and therefore doomed). – StudyStudy Apr 10 at 19:56
• Interesting, that makes sense due to the small tidal forces, thanks! – theta Apr 10 at 20:32