In plain English
To calculate it, multiply length by width by height in inches, divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide the weight in pounds by the cubic feet. A 48 by 40 by 48 inch pallet is about 53 cubic feet; at 600 lb that is roughly 11 PCF.
Carriers include everything on the pallet, including overhang, the pallet itself and packaging, when they measure.
Why it matters when you ship
A lower density means a higher class and a higher price. Shrinking the packaging, stacking safely or using a smaller pallet can change the class.
Example
A pallet 48 x 40 x 48 inches weighing 600 lb has about 53 cubic feet and a density of about 11 lb per cubic foot.
Related terms
Learn more
Density: common questions
How do I calculate freight density?
Length x width x height (inches) / 1,728 gives cubic feet. Weight (lb) divided by cubic feet gives pounds per cubic foot.
Cite this page
Cite as: Transportli, “Density in Freight: Meaning and How to Calculate It”, https://transportli.com/glossary/density/, updated November 11, 2026.
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