This calculator runs the same density math as the Density Calculator, then carries it one step further into a class and a rough cost. Length times width times height in inches, divided by 1,728, gives cubic feet. Weight divided by cubic feet gives density. Density matched against 18 breakpoints gives the class, and class feeds a simple per-hundredweight rate model for the cost range.
Worked example: the default 500 lb pallet
The fields above load with a reference shipment already entered, so you can trace every step from raw dimensions to a dollar range.
- Inputs: 500 lbs, 48 x 40 x 48 inches, general freight (no commodity override).
- Step 1, volume: 48 × 40 × 48 ÷ 1,728 = 53.33 cubic feet.
- Step 2, density: 500 ÷ 53.33 = 9.38 pounds per cubic foot.
- Step 3, class: 9.38 PCF falls in the 9 to 10.5 PCF band, which is class 100.
- Step 4, cost: the calculator's rate model returns roughly $116 to $181 for this shipment, a planning range, not a quote.
Every field is live. Change any number and the class, density and cost range recompute using this same four-step path.
Density-to-class table used above
Density drives most classes, but stowability, handling requirements and liability can shift the class your carrier actually assigns away from the density-only figure below.
| Class | Density (PCF) | Typical goods |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50+ | Nuts, bolts, bricks |
| 55 | 35 to 50 | Cement, hardwood |
| 60 | 30 to 35 | Car parts, beverages |
| 65 | 22.5 to 30 | Machinery, engines |
| 70 | 15 to 22.5 | Food, wood furniture |
| 77.5 | 13.5 to 15 | Tires, fixtures |
| 85 | 12 to 13.5 | Crated machinery |
| 92.5 | 10.5 to 12 | Computers, electronics |
| 100 | 9 to 10.5 | Wine cases, boat covers |
| 110 | 8 to 9 | Cabinets, artwork |
| 125 | 7 to 8 | Small appliances |
| 150 | 6 to 7 | Auto sheet metal |
| 175 | 5 to 6 | Clothing, couches |
| 200 | 4 to 5 | Packaged mattresses |
| 250 | 3 to 4 | Bamboo furniture |
| 300 | 2 to 3 | Wood cabinets |
| 400 | 1 to 2 | Very low density |
| 500 | Under 1 | Ping pong balls |
Reading the cost range without overtrusting it
The cost figure is a per-hundredweight estimate scaled off the class number, nothing more. It ignores lane distance, fuel surcharges, accessorial fees, and whatever discount your specific carrier contract carries. Treat the range as a sanity check: if a real quote comes back wildly outside it, that is worth a second look, either at the class the carrier assigned or at the accessorials they added. Selecting a commodity above does not change the density math, since NMFC item numbers that override density are not modeled here; it is included as a reminder to check the item number for anything you ship on a recurring basis.
Just need the density number?
The Density Calculator strips this down to weight and volume only, for a quick PCF and class check.