Calculate freight density from the packed dimensions, quantity and weight of your handling units. Compare shipment weight with occupied volume in kg/m3 or lb/ft3. Density is not a freight quote, a certified freight class or proof that the shipment fits in a vehicle.
Precision logistics calculator
Freight Density Calculator
Calculate shipment density and volume from multiple handling units.
Schematic planning preview
How to calculate freight density
Divide total packed shipment weight by total packed volume. Use the same unit system throughout the calculation. For several different handling units, add their weights and volumes before dividing; do not average the individual density values.
- Metric: density (kg/m3) = total weight (kg) / total volume (m3).
- Imperial: density (lb/ft3) = total weight (lb) / total volume (ft3).
- Volume from centimetres: length x width x height x quantity / 1,000,000.
- Volume from inches: length x width x height x quantity / 1,728 gives cubic feet.
Worked shipment example
Two identical packed units each measure 120 x 80 x 100 cm and weigh 150 kg. Their total volume is 1.92 m3 and their total weight is 300 kg. The combined density is 300 / 1.92 = 156.25 kg/m3. The quantities and weights must describe the same units.
Measure the complete packed handling unit, including its pallet, wrapping and any overhang, where the carrier’s measurement rules require them. Count pallet tare once. Empty space within an outside bounding box can still affect the carrier’s measured volume.
Density, freight class and chargeable weight are different
Density can be a factor in US less-than-truckload classification, but the commodity and applicable classification rules also matter. This calculator does not assign an authoritative NMFC item or guarantee a class or price. Confirm those details with the carrier.
Use the Freight Class Calculator for a separate classification estimate, or the Chargeable Weight Calculator to compare actual and volumetric weight under an entered charging rule. For a price estimate using your own rate, use the Freight Cost Calculator.
Will this cargo fit?
A density or CBM total does not test door clearance, carton orientation, stacking or physical placement. Enter the complete shipment in the Container Loading Calculator & 3D Load Planner and inspect placed and unplaced cargo under your selected rules.
Common questions
Should I average the density of each cargo row?
No. Divide the sum of all relevant weights by the sum of their volumes. An unweighted average of row densities can misrepresent the combined shipment.
Does a higher density always mean a cheaper shipment?
No. Rates can depend on the commodity, route, service, chargeable basis, minimum charge and additional fees. Only an applicable carrier quote establishes the offered price.
Planning calculation only. Check dimensions, weighing records and applicable carrier terms before booking. This page uses the existing CBM3 calculation engine; no live freight rates are retrieved. Explore all CBM3 tools.