Choose shipment type
Use Same size / weight for identical pieces. Use Different sizes / weights when dimensions or weight changes.
Free LTL pounds-per-cubic-foot calculator
Freight Density Calculator
How to use
How to Calculate Freight Density
Enter packaged details
Measure the full outside size, including pallet, skid, crate, carton, wrap, and overhang.
Review and transfer
Check cubic feet, total weight, and freight density, then transfer the shipment to the Freight Class Calculator when needed.
Calculator Formulas
How This Freight Density Calculator Works
This tool calculates freight density from the full packaged shipment size. It converts dimensions to inches when needed, calculates total cubic feet, converts weight to pounds when needed, then divides total pounds by total cubic feet.
Freight Density Formula
Density
=
Weight (lb)
Volume (ft³)
Freight density is total shipment weight divided by total cubic feet.
Cubic Feet From Inches
Volume
=
L × W × H
1,728
For mixed shipments, the calculator totals each item group’s cubic feet and weight first, then calculates one shipment density.
Total Shipment Volume
Total Volume
=
L × W × H
1,728
× Qty
The calculator totals shipment volume and weight first, then calculates one pounds-per-cubic-foot density result.
Ready to estimate class from density results? Use the Freight Class Calculator.
Field Example
Freight Density Calculation Example
A packaged handling unit measuring 48 × 40 × 36 inches has 40.00 cubic feet of volume. At 400 lb, its freight density is 10.00 lb/ft³.
48 × 40 × 36 in · 400 lb
One packaged handling unit
Volume
40.00 ft³
48 × 40 × 36 ÷ 1,728
Weight
400 lb
Packaged shipment weight
Density
10.00 lb/ft³
400 lb ÷ 40.00 ft³
For mixed shipments, the calculator totals all item-group volumes and weights before calculating one combined freight density.
Measurement accuracy
Measurement Mistakes That Change Density
Freight density changes when shipment size or weight changes. Small errors in pallet height, overhang, shrink wrap, crate size, or total weight can shift the pounds-per-cubic-foot result.
Use the Full Outside Packaged Dimensions
Include pallet, skid, crate, carton, wrap, and anything that increases the shipment's outside size. Do not use product-only dimensions if the packaged freight is larger.
Calculation Notes
Using Freight Density Results for LTL Shipments
Calculate from packaged dimensions
Use the full outside length, width, and height of the packaged freight. Pallets, skids, crates, cartons, shrink wrap, and overhang can all change cubic feet.
Total mixed shipments first
For different-size pallets, cartons, or pieces, calculate the cubic feet and weight for each item group first. The calculator then totals everything into one shipment density.
Use density before comparing class
Pounds per cubic foot gives you the density result needed for a density-based freight class estimate or density bracket review.
Confirm final class before booking
Density is useful for planning, but final freight class may also depend on commodity, packaging, handling, stowability, liability, carrier rules, or NMFC-based review.
Freight planning calculators
Calculate and Plan Your LTL Shipment
Use the freight class, density, pallet, and linear-feet tools together to plan packaged LTL freight.
↗Freight Class CalculatorEstimate freight class from packaged dimensions, weight, and density.
✓Freight Density CalculatorCurrent toolCalculate cubic feet and pounds per cubic foot.
↗Pallet Freight CalculatorPlan pallet dimensions, shipment weight, density, and configuration.
↗Freight Linear Feet CalculatorEstimate trailer-space usage for packaged freight.
Commodity guides
Freight Class Guides by Commodity
After calculating density, explore shipment examples, packaging considerations, and calculator guidance for common freight categories.
Machinery Freight ClassSkidded, crated, irregular, and oversized machinery shipments.
Machine Parts Freight ClassPackaging and density considerations for machine components.
Engines Freight ClassCrated, palletized, and protected engine shipments.
Cabinets Freight ClassCabinet construction, packaging, and shipment-density examples.
Electronics Freight ClassPackaged electronics, equipment, and handling considerations.
Furniture Freight ClassPalletized, boxed, assembled, and flat-packed furniture.
Browse all Freight Class Guides →Optional references
Visual References
Open these supporting images when you want a visual example of the calculator, formula, or density chart.
Common questions
Freight Density Calculator FAQ
Can I calculate freight density for multiple items?
Yes. Add a separate item group for each different size or weight. The calculator totals all item volumes and weights into one shipment density.
Should I include the pallet in the measurements?
Yes. Measure the complete packaged shipment, including the pallet, skid, crate, carton, wrap, and any overhang.
What logic does this calculator use?
The calculator converts all entered dimensions to inches and weight to pounds, totals the shipment cubic feet and weight, and divides total pounds by total cubic feet.
Can I transfer all item groups to the Freight Class Calculator?
Yes. After calculating density, use the transfer button to transfer the item groups, dimensions, weights, quantities, and units to the Freight Class Calculator.