Freight Density Calculator
Calculate freight density in lb/ft³ and kg/m³ for one pallet or a mixed shipment, with total cube, total weight and the matching NMFC density class.
Freight density is weight divided by the space a shipment takes up, in pounds per cubic foot. LTL carriers use it to price freight and, for density-rated commodities, to set the NMFC class. This calculator handles a whole shipment with different pallet sizes, gives density in lb/ft³ and kg/m³, and shows the density of each line so you can see which pallet is pulling the class up.
How to use this tool
- Choose inches and pounds or centimetres and kilograms.
- Type one line per pallet size: length × width × height, the weight of one unit, and how many there are.
- Measure at the widest and tallest points, including the pallet and any overhang.
- Read the shipment density, total cube and the class band it falls into.
Formula
Cubic feet = L × W × H (in) ÷ 1,728 (or cm³ ÷ 28,316.85)
Density = total weight (lb) ÷ total cubic feet
kg/m³ = lb/ft³ × 16.0185
Shipment density adds up all the weight and all the cube first, then divides. It is not the average of each line's density, because a big light pallet counts for more space than a small heavy one.
Example
Two pallets of 48 × 40 × 48 in at 600 lb each plus one 48 × 40 × 36 in pallet at 350 lb. The tall pallets are 53.33 ft³ each and the short one is 40 ft³, so the shipment takes up 146.67 ft³ and weighs 1,550 lb. Density is 1,550 ÷ 146.67 = 10.57 lb/ft³ (169.3 kg/m³), which sits in the 10-to-under-12 band: class 92.5. On their own the tall pallets are 11.25 lb/ft³ and the short one 8.75 lb/ft³ (class 100).
Frequently asked questions
Why do carriers care about density?
A trailer fills up by space as well as by weight. Light, bulky freight uses more of the trailer per pound, so it is charged a higher class. Most LTL terminals now measure pallets with dimensioners, so a wrong density usually gets corrected on the invoice.
Should I include the pallet?
Yes. Use the outside dimensions of the whole handling unit, pallet included, and its full weight, because that is the space and weight the carrier actually handles.
Does a higher density always mean a cheaper rate?
A higher band can lower class, but the rate also depends on the tariff and commodity. Do not combine different commodities into one billed class unless the applicable NMFC rules permit it.
Sources
Last updated: 2026