Freight Density Calculator and Class
Work out freight density in pounds per cubic foot from the size and weight of a pallet or crate, with the estimated LTL freight class.
Density scale (lb per cubic foot)
| 50 or more | Class 50 |
| 35 to 50 | Class 55 |
| 30 to 35 | Class 60 |
| 22.5 to 30 | Class 65 |
| 15 to 22.5 | Class 70 |
| 12 to 15 | Class 85 |
| 10 to 12 | Class 92.5 |
| 8 to 10 | Class 100 |
| 6 to 8 | Class 125 |
| 4 to 6 | Class 175 |
| 2 to 4 | Class 250 |
| 1 to 2 | Class 300 |
| under 1 | Class 400 |
Density
9lb/ft³
144.2 kg/m³
Estimated freight class
100
Total volume
55.56ft³
1.573 m³
Total weight
500lb
226.8 kg
Density = total weight (lb) ÷ total volume (ft³); volume = L × W × H (in) ÷ 1,728
Measure each pallet or crate at its longest, widest and tallest points, including the pallet. The class is an estimate from the NMFC density scale; the NMFC item for your product, and the carrier, decide the final class.
How to calculate freight density
Freight density is the weight of a shipment per cubic foot of space it takes up. LTL carriers in North America use it to set the freight class for most goods: the denser the freight, the lower the class and the lower the rate per pound.
How to calculate freight density
- Measure the length, width and height in inches at the longest, widest and tallest points, including the pallet.
- Multiply them and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet.
- Divide the total weight in pounds by the cubic feet.
Example: a 48 × 40 × 50 in pallet weighing 500 lb is 96,000 ÷ 1,728 = 55.6 ft³, so its density is 500 ÷ 55.6 = 9.0 lb/ft³, which is class 100 on the density scale.
Density and freight class
Since the NMFC changes of July 2025, many items are classed purely on a 13 step density scale, from class 50 for 50 lb/ft³ and more to class 400 for under 1 lb/ft³. Open the scale under the calculator to see every step. The NMFC item for your product decides the final class, so confirm with your carrier before you book.
Plan the load first with the pallet calculator, and compare carrier billing with the dimensional weight calculator.
Copy the result, or save it as a PDF to attach to an email or a purchase file. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
Features
- Density in lb/ft³ and kg/m³
- Estimated freight class
- Density scale table
- Several pieces at once
- Inches and pounds or cm and kg
- Copy or PDF
Frequently asked questions
What is a good freight density?
Higher density means a lower class and usually a cheaper rate per pound. Over 15 lb/ft³ falls in class 70 or below on the density scale.
Do I include the pallet in the measurements?
Yes. Carriers measure the whole handling unit, pallet included, at its largest points, and weigh it with the pallet.
Is the class from density final?
No. It is an estimate from the density scale. Some items have their own class in the NMFC, and the carrier may re-measure.
Is the calculator free?
Yes. No sign up. It runs in your browser, and you can copy the result or save it as a PDF.