Freight Density Calculator (PCF & kg/m³)
Calculate shipment density in pounds per cubic foot (PCF) and kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).
Live Calculation Results
Shipment density
200.00 kg/m³
- Total weight
- 1,200.00 kg2,645.55 lb
- Total volume
- 6.000 m³211.888 ft³
- Density (kg/m³)
- 200.00 kg/m³
- Density (lb/ft³, PCF)
- 12.49 lb/ft³
What this means
- 1,200.00 kg in 6.000 m³ is 12.49 lb/ft³. Higher density means more weight per unit of space.
- For reference, a density-based estimate would place this in class 85. That is an estimate, not an official NMFC classification.
- Conversion check: 1 kg/m³ = 0.06243 lb/ft³, and 1 lb/ft³ = 16.018 kg/m³.
Assumptions used
- Density = total weight ÷ total volume. Volume should be the shipping volume carriers would measure, including pallets and packaging.
Planning Notice & Scope Boundary
Freight density depends strictly on outer dimensions and certified scale weight.
Formula & Calculation Methodology
Density = Total Gross Weight ÷ Total Cubic Volume. Supports lb/ft³ (PCF) and kg/m³.
Density = Weight / Volume| Variable | Definition & Basis |
|---|---|
| PCF | Pounds per cubic foot = Weight (lb) ÷ Volume (ft³) |
| kg/m³ | Kilograms per cubic meter = Weight (kg) ÷ Volume (m³) |
Worked Example: Industrial Machinery Crate
A wooden crate measures 60 × 48 × 36 inches and weighs 750 lb on the scale.
Input Parameters
- Crate Dimensions60 × 48 × 36 inches
- Gross Weight750 lb
Step-by-Step Calculation Breakdown
- 1Calculate cubic volume: (60 × 48 × 36) ÷ 1,728 = 60.0 ft³.
- 2Calculate density: 750 lb ÷ 60.0 ft³ = 12.50 lb/ft³ (PCF).
- 3Metric equivalent: 750 lb = 340.19 kg; 60 ft³ = 1.699 m³ → 200.2 kg/m³.
Assumptions Used
- Dimensions reflect outer boundary measurements including skids, crating, and handles.
- Weight includes total tare and packaging.
Important Limitations
- Density alone does not guarantee a specific freight class if special commodity rules apply.
Authoritative Standards & Sources
The 13 density-to-class bands used on this site match the structure published for density-based classification. Further commodity groups continue to be evaluated by NMFTA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PCF in shipping?
PCF stands for Pounds per Cubic Foot. It is the primary metric used by North American freight carriers to evaluate shipment density and determine LTL freight class.
How do you convert PCF to kg/m³?
Multiply PCF by 16.0185 to get kg/m³. For example, 10 lb/ft³ equals approximately 160.2 kg/m³.
What to Calculate Next
Freight planning connects sequentially from package dimensions to freight class, pallets, and full equipment: