Freight Density Calculator
Calculate freight density in pounds per cubic foot.
Results update as you type.
How it works
Freight density measures how much your shipment weighs relative to the space it occupies, and it is the single most important number in the less-than-truckload world because it largely determines your freight class and therefore your rate. This freight density calculator multiplies your shipment's length, width, and height in inches, converts that to cubic feet, and divides the weight by the volume to give density in pounds per cubic foot. Density matters because LTL carriers classify freight from class 50 for dense, easy-to-handle goods up to class 500 for light, bulky items. A high density means more weight in less space, which typically earns a lower, cheaper class, while a low density signals a bulky load that costs more to move. Getting the figure right helps you quote accurately and avoid costly reclassification charges after pickup. The calculation works because dividing weight by volume gives the density that classification tables are built around, and dividing cubic inches by 1,728 simply converts to the cubic feet those tables use. Shippers, freight brokers, and warehouse teams calculate density before booking so they can predict the freight class, compare carrier quotes fairly, and package goods to hit a more favourable class where possible.
density = weight ÷ (length × width × height ÷ 1,728)
Freight density is weight divided by volume in cubic feet. Multiplying the three dimensions in inches gives cubic inches, and dividing by 1,728 converts to cubic feet because a cubic foot contains twelve inches cubed. Dividing weight by that volume yields pounds per cubic foot. The formula works because density describes how much mass fills a given space, and less-than-truckload carriers use it to assign the freight class that sets your rate.
Source:Standard freight/logistics formula
We review all our tools from time to time to ensure accuracy.
Worked example
How to use this calculator
- 1
Enter your values
Enter weight, length, width and height.
- 2
Adjust the options
Fine-tune any options to match your situation.
- 3
Read your result
Freight density updates instantly as you type — no button to press.
Frequently asked questions
Why is freight density measured in pounds per cubic foot?
Pounds per cubic foot is the standard unit LTL classification tables use to map a shipment to a freight class. It captures the trade-off carriers care about: heavier goods in less space are efficient to haul, while light, bulky freight wastes trailer capacity. Expressing density this way lets carriers apply one consistent scale across every commodity, so your calculated figure translates directly into an expected class.
How does density affect freight class and cost?
Freight class runs from 50 to 500, and density is the primary driver for many commodities. Higher density generally means a lower class number and a lower rate, because dense freight uses trailer space efficiently. Lower density pushes the class number up and the cost with it. Calculating density before you ship lets you anticipate the class, budget accurately, and spot chances to repackage into a cheaper bracket.
Should I measure the packaging or the bare product?
Always measure the shipment exactly as it will travel, including pallets, crating, and any overhang. Carriers rate the space the freight actually occupies, so packaging counts. Measure to the extreme points of length, width, and height, and weigh the complete packaged load. Using bare product dimensions would understate the volume, inflate the density, and risk a reclassification and adjusted charge once the carrier re-measures the shipment.
What if my shipment has multiple pieces?
For a shipment made of several pieces, add up the individual volumes to get total cubic feet and add the individual weights to get total weight, then divide total weight by total volume. This gives the overall density carriers use for a multi-piece shipment. Calculating each piece separately and averaging the densities would give the wrong answer, so always work from the combined totals for an accurate class.
How do I convert dimensions to cubic feet?
Multiply length, width, and height in inches to get cubic inches, then divide by 1,728, since one cubic foot equals twelve inches cubed. This calculator does the conversion for you and also displays the cubic feet result. If your measurements are already in feet, simply multiply them together directly. Keeping units consistent is critical, because a units error will distort the density and the resulting freight class.