Density Calculator

Use this tool to calculate your freight's density to help you determine shipping class and rates. Please note that we may also reweigh and dimension your freight to verify density once we've picked up your shipment. For more on shipment classification and weight, see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Palletized and Nonpalletized Shipment

Calculate your freight's density by entering your shipment's length, width, height, and weight below. IMPORTANT: If your shipment is already on a pallet, include the height of the pallet in the freight's total height to determine the freight density.

Cylindrical Freight Density Calculator

Determine the density of a cylindrical-shaped object, or any item that's not square.

How to Measure Nonpalletized Freight

EXAMPLE: If the length is 25 inches, the width is 24 inches and the height is 23 inches, multiply them as follows:

  1. 25 X 24 X 23 = 13,800 cubic inches.
  2. Convert cubic inches to cubic feet by dividing the cubic inch total by 1,728—the number of cubic inches in one cubic foot. For example: 13,800 divided by 1,728 = 7.98 cubic feet.
  3. Dividing the weight of the shipment by the number of cubic feet will provide the density. For example: 90 pounds divided by 7.98 = 11.27 pounds per cubic foot.

How to Measure Palletized Freight

EXAMPLE: If the pallet is 46 inches long, 42 inches wide and 6 inches high, add the height of the pallet to the height of the shipment (23 inches) for a combined height of 29 inches.

  1. 46 X 42 X 29 = 56,028 cubic inches.
  2. Next, convert the inches total to cubic feet by dividing 56,028 by 1,728 = 32.42 cubic feet.
  3. The density then equals the weight 120 (90 pounds for the shipment and approximately 30 pounds for the pallet) divided by the cubic dimension: 120 divided by 32.42 = 3.70 pounds per cubic foot.

How to Measure Cylindrical Freight

To determine the density of a cylindrical shaped object or any article that's not square, rectangular or elliptical, multiply the greatest dimension on the cylindrical plane by itself, then multiply that result by the object's height or length. If the value is in cubic inches, divide the number by 1,728 cubic inches, then divide the weight by this number. The answer will provide your density figure.