The densities of methyl lactate, ethyl lactate and butyl lactate have been measured using a high-pressure, high-temperature vibrating tube densimeter system over a temperature range from T = (283.15 to 338.15) K and a pressure range from p = (0.1 to 60.0) MPa. The experimental densities have been satisfactorily correlated with temperature and pressure using the TRIDEN equation. Finally, from the experimental densities, properties such as isobaric expansibility and isothermal compressibility have been calculated. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.