About this calculator

Freight density compares tendered gross shipment weight with the outside space occupied by the same freight. Enter each distinct handling-unit size on a separate row and use quantity only for identical units.

Inputs

How to use this calculator

Handling units

  1. Input unitsAll rows use the selected unit system.
  2. Outer length, width and heightMeasure the tendered outside envelope, including the pallet when it ships as part of the handling unit.
  3. Gross weightUse shipment weight including pallet and packaging when those are tendered.
  4. Handling-unit quantityUse a whole-unit count; add another row for different dimensions or weights.

Enter the shipment or scenario values, then select Calculate result.

Method

Formula and variables

Volume (ft³) = length (in) × width (in) × height (in) ÷ 1,728. Density (lb/ft³) = gross shipment weight (lb) ÷ total volume (ft³). Sum row volumes and weights before calculating shipment density.

Input units
All rows use the selected unit system.
Outer length, width and height
Measure the tendered outside envelope, including the pallet when it ships as part of the handling unit.
Gross weight
Use shipment weight including pallet and packaging when those are tendered.
Handling-unit quantity
Use a whole-unit count; add another row for different dimensions or weights.

Interpret the result

The shipment result divides total weight by total cube. It is not an average of the densities of individual rows. The metric output expresses the same relationship in kg/m³.

Outputs: Shipment volume, gross weight and density in lb/ft³ or kg/m³

Use outer dimensions and gross tendered weight. Density alone does not determine a universal freight class or replace a National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) item lookup.

Worked example

Check the arithmetic

This example uses the starting values shown above. The arithmetic below is calculated independently of the interactive result.

Work through the calculation

  1. Volume = 48 × 40 × 45 ÷ 1,728 = 50 ft³.
  2. Density = 450 ÷ 50 = 9 lb/ft³.
  3. Metric density = 9 × 16.018463 = 144.166167 kg/m³, displayed as 144.17 kg/m³ by this calculator.

Compare the displayed result

Expected displayed result: 9 lb/ft³

FAQs

Should I include the pallet in height and weight?

Include the pallet and packaging when they are part of the tendered handling unit. Weight and outside dimensions must describe the same shipment envelope.

Sources

These references support the methods or rules used on this page. Check the version effective for your shipment date and any applicable carrier terms or item-specific provisions.

Example inputs and options

Starting values are examples unless a field identifies a dated rule. Unit selectors convert only fields marked for conversion. Rates and model options keep the units and basis shown in their labels.

Input units
Example: U.S. customary: inches and poundsOptions: U.S. customary: in and lb; Metric: cm and kg
Outer length, width and height
Example: 48 × 40 × 45
Gross weight
Example: 450
Handling-unit quantity
Example: 1