Freight density calculator
Enter packaged dimensions and weight to calculate cubic feet, pounds per cubic foot, and the corresponding density band.
Freight density
Distance to next class
Class 92.5 starts at 10 lb/ft³. You are 0.625 lb/ft³ below it. At the same weight, that means 6.25% less volume.
- 400
- 300
- 250
- 175
- 125
- 100
- 92.5
- 85
- 70
- 65
- 60
- 55
- 50
Confirm item-specific classification with your carrier. Mixed items may need separate classes. Method and limitations.
- Length
- 48 in
- Width
- 40 in
- Height
- 48 in
Example loaded: one 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet weighing 500 lb. Edit to calculate your shipment.
Calculations run in your browser. Scale checked October 25, 2026.
The freight density formula
= length × width × height (in) ÷ 1,728
Total volume = Σ (piece volume × quantity)
Total weight = Σ (piece weight × quantity)
Density (lb/ft³) = total weight ÷ total volume
Σ means add the result for each pallet group. The calculator keeps full precision until displaying the answer.
Measure what will travel
- Length × width
- Outside edges
- Height
- Floor to top
Include the pallet, packaging, and overhang. Use the packaged weight, too.
A two-group example
Suppose one small package occupies 1 ft³ and weighs 2 lb, while a second package occupies 2 ft³ and weighs 40 lb. Their individual densities are 2 and 20 lb/ft³.
The combined shipment is 42 lb in 3 ft³, giving 14 lb/ft³. Averaging 2 and 20 would give 11, which is incorrect because the packages occupy different volumes.
14 lb/ft³ gives a class 85 density estimate. Different goods may still require separate item classifications.
Parcel dimensional weight is a different calculation
If your parcel service uses a dimensional divisor, use the dimensional weight calculator. It compares a volume-based weight with actual weight. Pounds per cubic foot is a density, not that comparison weight.
Density and class answer different questions
Density is a physical ratio. Freight class is a classification that can incorporate additional transportation characteristics. A density calculation can be correct while the applicable class differs because of an item-specific rule.
Continue with the freight class calculator, compare the full density chart, or follow the measurement guide.
Questions before you ship
Why divide cubic inches by 1,728?
One foot is 12 inches. A cubic foot is 12 × 12 × 12, or 1,728 cubic inches. Dividing a rectangular volume in cubic inches by 1,728 converts it to cubic feet.
Can I enter centimeters and kilograms?
Yes. Changing the unit selectors converts existing entries so the physical shipment remains the same. Centimeters are divided by 2.54 to obtain inches, and kilograms are divided by 0.45359237 to obtain pounds. Results are shown in lb/ft³.
Why does combined density differ from the average of the rows?
Combined density is total weight divided by total volume. It is a volume-weighted result, so a large low-density unit can affect the shipment result more than a small dense unit. It is not the simple average of the individual densities.
Sources & scope
Reviewed October 25, 2026. Density scale effective July 19, 2025.
Last updated