Network density refers to the measure of how many connections exist within a network compared to the total possible connections. It is calculated by taking the number of actual connections and dividing it by the number of potential connections. A higher density indicates a more interconnected network, while a lower density suggests fewer connections. In social networks, for example, network density can reflect how closely individuals are linked to one another. A dense network may facilitate better communication and collaboration among members, while a sparse network might indicate isolation or limited interaction among its participants.