Shipping Density Calculator
Find the density of a shipment and how close it is to dropping into a cheaper freight class.
How to use the Shipping Density Calculator
- Enter the length and pick its unit.
- Enter the width and pick its unit.
- Enter the height and pick its unit.
- Enter the weight per piece and pick its unit.
- Enter the number of pieces.
- Press Calculate. The result updates automatically as you type, and you can switch the result unit at any time.
About the Shipping Density Calculator
Density is the single most important number in LTL freight pricing, and it also matters for warehouse planning, truck loading and air cargo. Light, bulky shipments cost more per pound because they fill the trailer before they reach its weight limit.
The "extra weight" figure is a planning tool: if you are only a few pounds short of the next band, consolidating another carton onto the pallet can lower the rate per hundredweight. You can also gain density by building a shorter, tighter pallet, since every inch of height counts toward cubic feet. Always measure the overall shipping unit at its largest points.
Formula
Density = Total weight ÷ Total volume
lb/ft³ = lb ÷ (L × W × H in inches ÷ 1,728)
kg/m³ = lb/ft³ × 16.018
Extra weight to the next band = (next density threshold × cubic feet) − current weight. A 48 × 40 × 60 in pallet weighing 350 lb has 66.7 ft³ and a density of 5.25 lb/ft³; reaching 6 lb/ft³ would take 400 lb, or 50 lb more.
Example calculation
Using the default values:
- Length = 48 in
- Width = 40 in
- Height = 60 in
- Weight per piece = 350 lb
- Number of pieces = 1
the calculator returns:
- Density: 5.25 lb/ft³
- Density (metric): 84.1 kg/m³
- Density-based class: Class 175
- Extra weight to reach next band: 50 lb
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate freight density?
Divide the total weight in pounds by the total volume in cubic feet. Volume in cubic feet is length × width × height in inches divided by 1,728.
What is a good freight density?
Anything above about 15 lb/ft³ classes at 70 or lower, which is inexpensive LTL freight. Below 4 lb/ft³ rates climb steeply.
How do I convert lb/ft³ to kg/m³?
Multiply by 16.018. For example, 10 lb/ft³ is about 160 kg/m³.
Last updated: · Category: Shipping & Logistics calculators