Freight Density Calculator
Calculate shipment volume and freight density from package or pallet dimensions, quantity and total shipment weight. Density is expressed in pounds per cubic foot, the measurement commonly used in LTL freight classification and rating.
Cubic feet = length × width × height × pieces ÷ 1,728 when dimensions are in inches. Freight density = total shipment weight in pounds ÷ total cubic feet.
How to use the Freight Density Calculator
- Choose inches/pounds or centimetres/kilograms.
- Enter shipment length, width and height.
- Enter the number of identical pieces or pallets represented by those dimensions.
- Enter the total shipment weight.
- Dimensions are converted to cubic feet.
- Freight density equals total pounds divided by total cubic feet.
Examples
Single pallet
A 48 × 40 × 48 inch pallet occupies about 53.33 cubic feet before weight is used to calculate density.
Multiple identical pallets
For four pallets of equal dimensions, the calculator multiplies the volume of one pallet by four and divides total shipment weight by that combined volume.
Frequently asked questions
What is freight density?
Freight density is shipment weight in pounds divided by occupied cubic feet.
How do I calculate cubic feet from inches?
Multiply length × width × height in inches and divide by 1,728.
Why does LTL density matter?
Density is an important factor in modern freight classification and can influence the space and capacity a shipment consumes.
Should pallet dimensions include overhang?
Use the shipment's actual maximum occupied dimensions, including packaging or overhang where applicable.
Does density alone determine every freight class?
No. Official classification can also depend on the NMFC item and other transportation characteristics.
Can I enter metric measurements?
Yes. Metric measurements are converted internally for the pounds-per-cubic-foot density result.
More business & fleet tools
NMFC Freight Class Estimator
PopularEstimate density-based LTL freight class using the 13-band density scale.
Open tool →Freight Rate Per Mile Calculator
PopularCalculate freight rate per loaded mile and effective rate per total mile including deadhead and empty miles.
Open tool →Truck Load Profit Calculator
PopularEstimate truck load profit from freight revenue, loaded and deadhead miles, operating cost, tolls, dispatch and factoring fees.
Open tool →Truck Cost Per Mile Calculator
PopularCalculate truck cost per mile or kilometre from fuel, fixed and variable expenses, then estimate break-even and target loaded rates.
Open tool →US HOS Trip ETA Calculator
PopularEstimate truck trip transit time using a simplified U.S. HOS model.
Open tool →Canada HOS Trip ETA Calculator
PopularEstimate truck transit time using a simplified Canadian HOS model.
Open tool →