Freight density calculator
This freight density calculator turns length, width, height and weight into pounds per cubic foot (PCF), the number LTL carriers use to set most freight classes. It also shows the cubic feet and an estimated class on the 2025 density scale.
- Density in pounds per cubic foot and kg/m³
- Cubic feet and cubic inches for the shipment
- Inches or centimeters, pounds or kilograms
Last updated
How to use the freight density calculator
- Choose inches or centimeters, and pounds or kilograms.
- Measure the shipment as it will ship, pallet included, at its longest, widest and tallest points.
- Enter the weight of one piece and how many identical pieces there are.
- Read the density in pounds per cubic foot. The estimated class beside it uses the 2025 density scale.
The freight density formula
Freight density is weight divided by volume. LTL carriers in the US use pounds per cubic foot (PCF).
cubic feet = length × width × height (inches) ÷ 1,728
density (PCF) = weight (lb) ÷ cubic feet
There are 1,728 cubic inches in a cubic foot (12 × 12 × 12). For metric sizes, the calculator divides centimeters by 2.54 and kilograms by 0.45359237 first. To turn PCF into kilograms per cubic meter, multiply by 16.018.
Worked example
A pallet measures 48 × 40 × 60 inches and weighs 750 lb.
- Volume: 48 × 40 × 60 = 115,200 cubic inches.
- Cubic feet: 115,200 ÷ 1,728 = 66.67 cu ft.
- Density: 750 ÷ 66.67 = 11.25 pounds per cubic foot (about 180 kg/m³).
11.25 PCF falls in the 10 to under 12 band, so the estimated class is 92.5. Cut the same load down to 54 inches tall and the density rises to 12.5 PCF, class 85.
Density to freight class chart
Match your density to the 13-tier NMFC scale in effect since July 19, 2025. The carrier assigns the final class, and some items have an item-specific class that ignores density.
| Density (lb per cu ft) | Estimated class |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 | 400 |
| 1 to under 2 | 300 |
| 2 to under 4 | 250 |
| 4 to under 6 | 175 |
| 6 to under 8 | 125 |
| 8 to under 10 | 100 |
| 10 to under 12 | 92.5 |
| 12 to under 15 | 85 |
| 15 to under 22.5 | 70 |
| 22.5 to under 30 | 65 |
| 30 to under 35 | 60 |
| 35 to under 50 | 55 |
| 50 or more | 50 |
How to raise your freight density
- Build lower, squarer pallets. Height is often the easiest dimension to cut: every inch off a 48 × 40 pallet removes 1.11 cubic feet.
- Trim overhang. Carriers measure to the widest point, so cartons hanging over the pallet edge add volume you pay for.
- Use the right box. Empty space inside cartons still counts as volume. Smaller cartons or less void fill raise density.
- Combine light and dense items on the same pallet when you can; the class comes from the density of the whole shipment.
Common questions
How do you calculate freight density?
Multiply length × width × height in inches, divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide the weight in pounds by the cubic feet. A 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet at 500 lb is 53.33 cu ft and 9.38 pounds per cubic foot.
What is PCF in freight?
PCF means pounds per cubic foot, the unit for freight density. A shipment of 600 lb that takes 50 cubic feet has a density of 12 PCF.
Do I include the pallet in freight density?
Yes. Measure and weigh the shipment as it will ship, with the pallet, packaging and any overhang. The carrier measures the same way.
What is a good freight density?
Higher is cheaper. At 15 PCF or more the class drops to 70 or below, while anything under 6 PCF is class 175 or higher on the 2025 scale.
How do I convert freight density to kg per cubic meter?
Multiply pounds per cubic foot by 16.018. A density of 10 PCF is about 160 kg/m³.
Sources
- DTS: Breaking down the July 2025 NMFC changes. The 13-tier density scale from NMFC Docket 2025-1, effective July 19, 2025. Last checked 28 October 2026.
- NMFTA: National Motor Freight Classification. Classes 50 to 500, set by density, handling, stowability and liability.
- NIST Guide to the SI, Appendix B.9 (conversion factors). 1 in = 2.54 cm exactly; 1 lb = 0.4535924 kg; 1 cu ft = 0.02831685 m³.
See the methodology page for how LTL Math builds and checks its calculators.