CBM Calculator
Calculate package and shipment volume in cubic meters (CBM) and cubic feet, plus sea/air volumetric weight and standard container fit.
Open toolShipping Density Calculator
Enter your pallet or crate length, width, total loaded height, gross weight, and unit count below to calculate shipping density in lb/ft³ (PCF), total cubic feet, and estimated NMFC density freight class.
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Enter the inputs, then select Calculate shipping density.
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How Shipping Density Calculator works
The Shipping Density Calculator converts your handling unit dimensions into cubic feet, totals gross weight in pounds, divides weight by volume to find PCF, and maps the density to the standard 11-tier NMFC density scale.
Cubic Feet = (L × W × H in inches) ÷ 1,728 × Quantity; Density (PCF) = Total Pounds ÷ Total Cubic Feet.
Both Imperial density (lb/ft³) and Metric density (kg/m³) are calculated automatically from inches, feet, or centimeters.
Shipping Density Calculator Quick Reference & Input Guide
Review the input parameters, allowed value ranges, and worked reference cases for the Shipping Density Calculator below before running your calculation.
| Parameter / Scenario | Default / Sample Value | Rule or Allowed Range | Output / Usage Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input: Dimension unit | in | Options: Inches (in), Feet (ft), Centimeters (cm) | Required workspace parameter |
| Input: Pallet / package length | 48 | Range: 0.1 to 10000 | Required workspace parameter |
| Input: Pallet / package width | 40 | Range: 0.1 to 10000 | Required workspace parameter |
| Input: Total loaded height | 60 | Range: 0.1 to 10000 | Required workspace parameter |
| Worked Case 1: Baseline run (Two 48 × 40 × 60 in pallets at 650 lb each) | Preloaded / test values | Volume per unit (ft³) = (L_in × W_in × H_in) ÷ 1,728; Shipping Density (PCF) = Total Weight (lb) ÷ Total Volume (ft³) | Each 48 × 40 × 60 in pallet occupies 66.67 cu ft (133.33 cu ft total for 2 pallets). With 1,300 lb total gross weight, shipping density is 9.75 lb/ft³ (156.18 kg/m³), which falls into the 9 to < 10.5 PCF bracket (Reference Class 100). |
| Worked Case 2: Dense hardware pallet (48 × 40 × 36 in at 1,250 lb) | Preloaded / test values | Volume per unit (ft³) = (L_in × W_in × H_in) ÷ 1,728; Shipping Density (PCF) = Total Weight (lb) ÷ Total Volume (ft³) | A low-profile 48 × 40 × 36 in pallet occupies 40.0 cu ft. At 1,250 lb gross weight, density is 31.25 lb/ft³ (500.58 kg/m³), placing it in the ≥ 30 PCF bracket (Reference Class 60). |
How to use Shipping Density Calculator step by step
Measure your stretch-wrapped pallet from the warehouse floor to its highest point and weigh the complete handling unit.
Enter outer pallet dimensions
Select inches, feet, or centimeters and enter the longest length, widest width (including any carton overhang), and floor-to-top height.
Enter gross weight per unit and quantity
Choose pounds or kilograms, enter the gross weight of one loaded pallet (cargo plus pallet tare), and set the number of identical pallets.
Calculate PCF and reference freight class
Select Calculate shipping density to view PCF, kg/m³, total cubic feet, and the corresponding density-based freight class.
Worked examples for Shipping Density Calculator
Compare a standard 650 lb pallet load against a dense machinery crate.
Baseline run (Two 48 × 40 × 60 in pallets at 650 lb each)
Each 48 × 40 × 60 in pallet occupies 66.67 cu ft (133.33 cu ft total for 2 pallets). With 1,300 lb total gross weight, shipping density is 9.75 lb/ft³ (156.18 kg/m³), which falls into the 9 to < 10.5 PCF bracket (Reference Class 100).
Dense hardware pallet (48 × 40 × 36 in at 1,250 lb)
A low-profile 48 × 40 × 36 in pallet occupies 40.0 cu ft. At 1,250 lb gross weight, density is 31.25 lb/ft³ (500.58 kg/m³), placing it in the ≥ 30 PCF bracket (Reference Class 60).
Account for non-stackable freight rules
If you mark a pallet 'Do Not Stack' or use a cone on top, many LTL carriers calculate cubed density using a 96-inch vertical height instead of your actual load height. Test 96 in as the height to see your worst-case re-class risk.
How to interpret the Shipping Density Calculator output
Check how close your PCF is to the next NMFC density threshold before wrapping the pallet.
LTL dimensioners measure pallets to the nearest tenth of an inch. If your shipment sits at 9.95 PCF (just shy of the 10.5 PCF cutoff for Class 92.5), restacking the top layer to lower pallet height by 4 inches can push density over 10.5 PCF and prevent a costly carrier re-classification fee.
Input limits, assumptions, and related tools
Verify commodity-specific NMFC items and carrier cubic capacity rules before tendering LTL freight.
The freight class shown on this page is a density-only reference across standard NMFC density sub-items (Class 50 through Class 400). Hazardous materials, fragile glass, or high-value electronics may carry a fixed NMFC class regardless of density.
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Open toolShipping Density Calculator: common questions
Answers about using Shipping Density Calculator and understanding its results.
How do I calculate shipping density for LTL freight?
Multiply pallet length, width, and height in inches and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet. Then divide the total gross weight of the pallet (including the wood pallet itself) in pounds by the cubic feet to get pounds per cubic foot (PCF).
Should I include the height and weight of the wooden pallet?
Yes. LTL carriers laser-scan and weigh the entire handling unit from the floor to the top of the stretch wrap. Always include the 5 to 6 inches of pallet deck height and the 35 to 50 lb weight of the pallet.
How does shipping density affect NMFC freight class?
For density-based commodities, higher pounds per cubic foot (PCF) qualify for a lower freight class number (such as Class 60 or Class 70), which carries a lower LTL tariff rate per hundredweight (CWT).
Can I copy the PCF density and freight class estimate for a bill of lading?
Yes. All calculations run locally in your browser. Click Copy result or Download result.txt to save the cubic feet, PCF density, and reference freight class.
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