Freight density is a shipment’s weight divided by the space it occupies. Carriers use it to price less-than-truckload freight, because a light, bulky shipment takes more truck space than a dense one of the same weight.
Enter the piece weight, size and count. The calculator returns volume and density in both imperial and metric units.
Freight Density Calculator
Enter your numbers to see the result.
Estimates for planning only. Results depend on the accuracy of the inputs and the assumptions of the standard formula.
The formulas
- Volume (ft³) = length x width x height (in inches) / 1,728 x number of pieces
- Density (lb per ft³) = total weight in pounds / volume in cubic feet
- Metric: volume in m³ = ft³ / 35.3147, and density in kg per m³ = lb per ft³ x 16.0185
Measure the outer dimensions at the widest points, including the pallet and any overhang, because carriers bill on the space the shipment actually takes. In North America, density feeds into the freight class of a shipment, but class also depends on the commodity, handling and liability, and the rules come from the carrier’s tariff and the NMFC classification. This calculator does not assign a class: confirm it with your carrier.
Worked example
One pallet weighing 450 lb and measuring 48 x 40 x 48 inches.
- Volume = 48 x 40 x 48 / 1,728 = 53.33 ft³ (about 1.51 m³)
- Density = 450 / 53.33 = about 8.44 lb per ft³
- In metric units, about 135 kg per m³
Using the result
Lower density usually means a higher rate per pound, so reducing dimensions through tighter packing, stacking without overhang or removing void space can lower cost. Check that the lower cost does not increase damage risk.
For international and air freight, carriers use volumetric (chargeable) weight rather than density. See the chargeable weight calculator and our logistics and transportation guides.
Common questions
What is freight density?
It is the weight of a shipment divided by its volume, usually pounds per cubic foot in North America. It shows how compactly the goods are packed and is one of the inputs carriers use to price less-than-truckload freight.
Does the calculator give a freight class?
No. Freight class depends on the commodity, density, handling and liability and is set by the carrier's tariff and the NMFC rules. Use the density here as an input and confirm the class with your carrier before you book or quote.
Why measure with the pallet?
Carriers bill on the space the shipment occupies, which includes the pallet and any overhang, not only on the goods themselves. Measuring the product alone understates the volume, overstates the density and can lead to a billing adjustment after the carrier re-measures.
How can the density of a shipment be raised?
Reduce the space without adding weight: pack tighter, remove void fill, avoid overhang and stack to a sensible height. Confirm that the goods and packaging can take the load, since damage costs usually outweigh a small freight saving.
Can it be used for mixed pieces?
Only by hand. The calculator multiplies one set of dimensions and one weight by the number of pieces. For mixed pieces, add each piece's weight and volume yourself, then divide total weight by total volume.