Freight Density Calculator
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What Is Freight Density?
Freight density is the measurement of the shipment’s compactness or pounds per cubic foot (PCF). You will need to know your freight density when using a density-based carrier or when the NMFC for your shipment is Not Otherwise Indicated (NOI). Our freight density calculator will help you estimate your cargo’s density and freight class.
Read more: What is Freight Density and How Does it Affect Freight Costs?
Freight Density Table
| Density | Estimated Freight Class: |
| Less than 1 | 400 |
| More than 1, but less than 2 | 300 |
| More than 2, but less than 4 | 250 |
| More than 4, but less than 6 | 175 |
| More than 6, but less than 8 | 125 |
| More than 8, but less than 10 | 100 |
| More than 10, but less than 12 | 92.5 |
| More than 12, but less than 15 | 85 |
| More than 15, but less than 22.5 | 70 |
| More than 22.5, but less than 30 | 65 |
| 30 or greater | 60 |
How To Calculate Freight Density
Equations:
(height x width x depth) = cubic inches
cubic inches / 1728 = cubic feet
cubic feet / weight = freight density
Step-by-Step
Step 1. Measure the height, width, and depth of the shipment in inches. Measure to the farthest possible points. On shipments with multiple pieces, repeat Step 1 for each piece.
Step 2. Multiply the three measurements (height x width x depth). The result is the total cubic inches of the shipment. If you have multiple pieces, multiply the height x width x depth for each piece. Take the results for each piece and add them together to get the total cubic inches
Step 3. Divide the total cubic inches by 1,728 (the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot). The result is the cubic feet of the shipment.
Step 4. Divide the weight (in pounds) of the shipment by the total cubic feet. The result is the pounds per cubic foot, i.e., density.
- For multiple pieces, add the weight of each piece together before dividing by the total cubic feet of the shipment.
- Round fractions to the nearest full cubic foot number.
Calculating freight density will also provide you with a recommended class for your shipment. The freight class chart below is an abbreviated scale you can use to help estimate the freight classification for your shipments.