For dimensions measured in inches:

Use the maximum outside dimensions of the handling unit as tendered, including pallet and packaging where applicable.

Add one row for each pallet, crate or carton type. Enter outside length, width, height, weight and quantity. The calculator totals cube and weight, reports density for each line and the aggregate shipment, then maps aggregate density to the current density-based class scale.

Measure the greatest straight-line outside dimension in each direction. Include overhang, protrusions and packaging that occupies space. Rounding rules can vary by carrier or tariff, so follow the applicable shipping instructions when rating a real load.

For a mixed shipment, calculate total weight and total cube before dividing. Averaging the individual density numbers is wrong unless each line has identical cubic volume. The aggregate shipment density is weighted by volume automatically.

The NMFC 13-sub structure maps density bands to class values, but freight class is not universally determined by density alone. The applicable NMFC item can include handling, stowability, liability and other characteristics.

Freight density and parcel dimensional weight are related to package volume but are not the same rating system. Dimensional weight converts cube into a billable-weight rule using a carrier divisor. LTL density expresses actual weight per cubic foot.

A carrier may use a different commodity item, corrected dimensions, reweigh data, packaging rules or a classification factor other than density. Treat the output as a density-based estimate and retain shipment measurements and documentation.

A 48×40×45 inch pallet occupies 50 ft³. At 450 lb, density is 9 lb/ft³. The class estimate comes from the applicable density band, subject to the actual NMFC item and carrier rules.

Common errors include measuring the product rather than the packaged handling unit, ignoring pallet height, entering pounds per pallet but a total quantity cube, and assuming density alone guarantees final class.

A 48×40×45 inch pallet occupies exactly 50 ft³. At 450 lb, density is 9 lb/ft³. Two identical pallets still have aggregate density 9 lb/ft³ because both weight and cube double. If the second pallet has different density, total weight divided by total cube gives the correct combined result.

Metric inputs can be converted to the same calculation basis: centimetres to cubic metres and kilograms to kg/m³, then converted to lb/ft³ for a density-class estimate. Keeping the unit system explicit prevents the classic 2.54-versus-1728 catastrophe.

The current 13-sub density structure provides a density-to-class mapping for commodities assigned to that structure. The table on this page is a reference, not a universal classification engine for every commodity.

• Measure the packaged handling unit, not just the product.
• Use greatest outside dimensions.
• Include pallet and packaging where applicable.
• Use total scale weight for the same quantity represented by the cube.
• Retain documentation if carrier reclassification is disputed.