Non-Palletized Freight Density
Enter each piece type with its quantity, gross weight per piece, and outside dimensions (L × W × H including packaging). Add rows for different piece sizes. Results reflect the combined shipment.
Results
How to measure non-palletized freight
Measure outside dimensions including all packaging.
Enter each distinct piece size as a separate row — the calculator multiplies per-piece volume by quantity and sums across all rows.
Example: 3 boxes at 25 × 24 × 23 in / 30 lbs each + 1 crate at 40 × 36 × 30 in / 120 lbs
- Box volume: 25 × 24 × 23 ÷ 1,728 = 7.986 ft³ × 3 = 23.96 ft³
- Crate volume: 40 × 36 × 30 ÷ 1,728 = 25.00 ft³
- Total volume = 23.96 + 25.00 = 48.96 ft³
- Total weight = (3 × 30) + 120 = 210 lbs
- Density = 210 ÷ 48.96 = 4.29 lbs/ft³
In metric: (L cm × W cm × H cm) ÷ 1,000,000 = m³ → total weight (kg) ÷ total volume (m³) = kg/m³
Palletized Freight Density
Combine the pallet dimensions with the shipment. Enter the pallet height and freight height separately — they are added together for the total height calculation.
Results
How to measure palletized freight
Example: Pallet 46 in × 42 in × 6 in high, freight 23 in tall, total weight 120 lbs
- Total height = 6 + 23 = 29 inches
- 46 × 42 × 29 = 56,028 cubic inches
- 56,028 ÷ 1,728 = 32.42 cubic feet
- 120 lbs ÷ 32.42 ft³ = 3.70 lbs/ft³ density
Include the weight of the pallet itself (typically 30–40 lbs for a standard wood pallet).
Cylindrical Freight Density
For cylindrical or non-rectangular cargo, use the greatest cross-sectional dimension (diameter or widest point) squared, multiplied by the height or length. This is the industry-standard bounding-box method for freight classification.
Results
How to measure cylindrical freight
Multiply the greatest dimension by itself, then multiply by the height or length. Divide by 1,728 to convert to cubic feet (or by 1,000,000 for m³).
- Example: Greatest dimension 24 in, Height 36 in, Weight 75 lbs
- 24 × 24 × 36 = 20,736 cubic inches
- 20,736 ÷ 1,728 = 12.00 cubic feet
- 75 lbs ÷ 12.00 ft³ = 6.25 lbs/ft³ density
Volumetric (Dimensional) Weight
Air carriers charge based on whichever is greater: the actual weight or the dimensional weight. Enter your package dimensions and actual weight to find your chargeable weight.
Results
How volumetric weight is calculated
Metric (cm / kg): L × W × H ÷ 6,000 = dimensional weight in kg
Imperial (in / lbs): L × W × H ÷ 139 = dimensional weight in lbs
The chargeable weight is the higher of actual weight vs. dimensional weight. The factor 6,000 is the IATA industry standard — some carriers may use 5,000.
- Example: 60 cm × 50 cm × 40 cm, Actual weight 8 kg
- 60 × 50 × 40 ÷ 6,000 = 20 kg dimensional weight
- Chargeable weight = 20 kg (dimensional exceeds actual)
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