Freight Density Calculator
Calculate your shipment's density in pounds per cubic foot. Density is the primary factor in determining your NMFC freight class and shipping cost.
✓ Density = Weight ÷ Volume
✓ Auto-converts to freight class
✓ Handles multi-piece shipments
Freight class estimator
Enter pallet dimensions & weight to estimate LTL freight class.
Handling unit 1
53.33 cu ft · 500.0 lbs · 9.38 PCF
Estimated freight class
100
Density: 9.38 PCF (lbs per cu ft)
Total: 500.0 lbs · 53.33 cu ft
⚠ This is a density-based estimate only. The actual NMFC class assigned by carriers may differ based on commodity type, packaging, and handling requirements.
Density → class reference table
| Density (PCF) | Class |
|---|---|
| ≥ 50 | 50 |
| 35 – < 50 | 55 |
| 30 – < 35 | 60 |
| 22.5 – < 30 | 65 |
| 15 – < 22.5 | 70 |
| 13.5 – < 15 | 77.5 |
| 12 – < 13.5 | 85 |
| 10.5 – < 12 | 92.5 |
| 9 – < 10.5 | 100 |
| 8 – < 9 | 110 |
| 7 – < 8 | 125 |
| 6 – < 7 | 150 |
| 5 – < 6 | 175 |
| 4 – < 5 | 200 |
| 3 – < 4 | 250 |
| 2 – < 3 | 300 |
| 1 – < 2 | 400 |
| 0 – < 1 | 500 |
The Freight Density Formula
Volume (ft³) = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 1,728
Density (lbs/ft³) = Weight ÷ Volume
(Dimensions in inches, weight in pounds)
Density to Class Quick Reference
| Density (lbs/ft³) | Freight Class | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ≥50 | 50 | Lowest |
| 15–22.5 | 70 | Low |
| 9–10.5 | 100 | Medium |
| 5–6 | 175 | High |
| <1 | 500 | Highest |
Tips to Improve Density
- Reduce packaging: Eliminate excess space in boxes and on pallets
- Stack efficiently: Use the full height of the pallet
- Consolidate shipments: Combine multiple items onto fewer pallets
- Right-size boxes: Smaller boxes = less void space = better density
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate freight density?\u25BE
Density = Weight (lbs) ÷ Volume (ft³). Volume = (L × W × H in inches) ÷ 1,728.
Why does freight density matter?\u25BE
Density is the #1 factor in freight class and shipping cost. Higher density = lower class = cheaper shipping.