Freight Density Calculator
Find how dense your cargo is, from total weight and volume or from individual carton sizes and weights.
Results
Assumptions
Density is mass divided by volume. This calculator does not assign a carrier freight class or apply any carrier's density-based pricing rules.
How the Freight Density Calculator works
Density is weight divided by volume. You can enter a total weight and a total volume directly, or enter carton sizes, quantities and weights and let the calculator work out the totals first. The result is shown in kg/m³ and lb/ft³.
Formula
Density (kg/m³) = total weight (kg) ÷ total volume (m³) Density (lb/ft³) = density (kg/m³) × 0.062428
Worked example
120 cartons of 60 × 40 × 35 cm, 12 kg each Volume = 10.08 m³ Weight = 1,440 kg Density = 1,440 ÷ 10.08 = 142.86 kg/m³ (8.92 lb/ft³)
When to use it
- Seeing whether air cargo will be charged on weight or volume: below about 167 kg/m³ (with a 6000 divisor) volume decides.
- Seeing whether LCL cargo is charged by CBM or tonne: below 1,000 kg/m³, CBM decides under 1:1000 W/M.
- Judging whether a container will fill by weight or by space.
Limitations
This calculator reports density only. It does not assign a freight class or apply any carrier's density-based pricing rules, which differ by carrier and country. Packaging counts toward both weight and volume, so use the packed figures.
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Frequently asked questions
What is freight density?
Freight density is the weight of the cargo divided by the space it takes, usually in kg/m³ or lb/ft³.
Does this calculator give a freight class?
No. It reports density only and does not apply any carrier's freight class or density-based pricing rules.
Why does density matter?
It shows whether cargo will be charged on weight or volume, and whether a container or truck will fill up by weight or by space first.