Freight Density Calculator
Enter dimensions and weight to get density in pounds per cubic foot — the number that decides your NMFC freight class since the 2025 restructure.
Fill in all four fields to see the density.
How density is calculated
Density is weight divided by cubic feet. Cubic feet is length × width × height in inches, divided by 1,728 (the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot). Use the pallet’s OUTER dimensions and its total weight including the pallet, since that is what the carrier measures.
Density matters because since July 19, 2025 it sets the NMFC freight class — higher density means a lower class and a lower rate.
Density to NMFC class (effective 2025-07-19)
| Density (lbs/ft³) | Freight class |
|---|---|
| ≥ 50 | 50 |
| 35 – 50 | 55 |
| 30 – 35 | 60 |
| 22.5 – 30 | 65 |
| 15 – 22.5 | 70 |
| 12 – 15 | 85 |
| 10 – 12 | 92.5 |
| 8 – 10 | 100 |
| 6 – 8 | 125 |
| 4 – 6 | 175 |
| 2 – 4 | 250 |
| 1 – 2 | 300 |
| < 1 | 400 |
Turn boxes into pallets and get the whole quote
FreightPrep packs your cartons onto pallets, computes each pallet’s density and class, and builds a copy-ready LTL summary for FedEx Freight, LTL Select and other carriers — free, in your browser.
Disclaimer
Estimates only. Final freight class and rates are set by the carrier and the NMFTA, not by this calculator — the carrier can reweigh and reclassify at pickup. The specific commodity’s NMFC item number may override the density-based class.