Freight Density Calculator
Calculate freight density in lb/ft³ (PCF) and get an estimated LTL class from density, then verify the current class with your carrier.
How freight density works
Density is the foundation of modern LTL classification. It is simply weight divided by volume:
density (PCF) = weight (lb) ÷ volume (ft³)
To get cubic feet from inches, divide cubic inches by 1,728 (12 × 12 × 12). Measure the full footprint of the freight, including the pallet and any overhang, because that is the space the carrier must allocate.
Since July 2025 the NMFTA moved most commodities to a density-based classification model, and it revises that model periodically. That means the class below is an estimate derived from density only. Always confirm the live classification with your carrier or the NMFTA before you ship.
Worked example (page defaults)
Using the default pallet of 48 × 40 × 48 in weighing 400 lb:
- Cubic inches:
48 × 40 × 48 = 92,160 in³ - Cubic feet:
92,160 ÷ 1,728 = 53.33 ft³ - Density:
400 ÷ 53.33 =7.50 PCF - Estimated class: a density in the 7-to-8 PCF band maps to an estimated class 125
Density-to-class estimate (advisory)
Higher density means a lower class number. This table is the advisory density-only mapping; it is not a per-commodity NMFC lookup.
| Density (lb/ft³) | Estimated class |
|---|---|
| 50 or more | 50 |
| 30 | 60 |
| 22.5 | 65 |
| 15 | 70 |
| 12 | 85 |
| 9 | 100 |
| 8 | 110 |
| 7 | 125 |
| 6 | 150 |
| 5 | 175 |
| 4 | 200 |
| 3 | 250 |
| 2 | 300 |
| 1 | 400 |
| less than 1 | 500 |
Our 7.50 PCF example sits between the 7 (class 125) and 8 (class 110) tiers, so it estimates to class 125. Pack the same 400 lb into a tighter footprint and the density rises, pushing the estimated class lower.
Limits of this estimate
Density is permanent physics, but class is set by the current NMFC rules, which can also consider handling, stowability and liability for some items. Treat the number above as a planning estimate, verify it with your carrier or the NMFTA, and never rely on a static commodity-to-code table. To check the weight side of a pallet, use the pallet weight calculator; for parcel billing instead of LTL, see the dimensional weight calculator; and for the full background read how freight density affects LTL class.