Freight class calculator — NMFC density class

Estimate the NMFC freight class for an LTL shipment from its density — the single biggest factor in how carriers classify and price freight. Add one or more pallets (or boxes), mix units as you like, and get the total volume, density, and estimated class from the standard carrier scale (50–500). All in your browser, no sign-up, no uploads.

Private by default: the volume and density math runs entirely in your browser tab. Your dimensions and weights are never sent to a server, logged, or stored.

Estimate a freight class

Measure the outer dimensions of each pallet including the pallet itself, and use the actual (not billable) weight.

Ready — 1 pallet, 48 × 40 × 48 in at 800 lb.

Total volume: 53.33 cu ft
Total weight: 800 lb
Density: 15.0 lb/cu ft
Estimated NMFC class: 77.5

Density-based estimate from the standard LTL scale. The carrier assigns the binding class from the NMFC item number.

Density to class — the standard scale

The reference scale most LTL carriers publish for density-based classing. The row for your current estimate is highlighted above and in the table below.

Density (lb per cu ft)	NMFC class
50 and over	50
35 – 49.99	55
30 – 34.99	60
22.5 – 29.99	65
18 – 22.49	70
15 – 17.99	77.5
13 – 14.99	85
12 – 12.99	92.5
10.5 – 11.99	100
9 – 10.49	110
8 – 8.99	125
7 – 7.99	150
6 – 6.99	175
5 – 5.99	200
4 – 4.99	250
3 – 3.99	300
2 – 2.99	400
under 2	500

How it works

Three steps, all computed in this tab:

Total the volume. Each pallet's length × width × height is converted to cubic feet (12 in = 1 ft, 30.48 cm = 1 ft) and summed across all pallets.
Total the weight. Pounds and kilograms are summed (1 kg ≈ 2.2046 lb).
Divide for density, then map to class. Density = total weight (lb) ÷ total volume (cu ft). That number is looked up on the standard scale: 50+ lb/cu ft is class 50, right down to under 2 lb/cu ft at class 500.

Worked example: a 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet is 4 × 3.333 × 4 = 53.33 cu ft. At 800 lb the density is 800 ÷ 53.33 ≈ 15.0 lb/cu ft, which maps to class 77.5. The same pallet at 1,200 lb would be 22.5 lb/cu ft — just over the 22.5 boundary — and drops to class 65, a lower rate per pound. A dense 24-inch cube at 500 lb is 62.5 lb/cu ft, which is class 50, the lowest (cheapest per pound) class on the scale.

When do you need a freight class?

Getting LTL quotes. Every less-than-truckload quote starts with a class. Having the density-based estimate ready before you call means the quote you get is the quote you can compare.
Pre-classing SKUs and inventory. If you ship the same items repeatedly, classify them once (density first, then the NMFC item number from your carrier) so quotes, bills of lading, and warehouse systems all agree.
Auditing carrier invoices. Density is the usual basis for class — if your billed class implies a density your shipment doesn't have, a quick recalculation is the first thing to check.
E-commerce and 3PL intake. Dimensional-weight thinking is everywhere in parcel shipping; density-based classing is the LTL version of the same idea, and the two together tell you how your freight will be priced.

Limits

An estimate, not the final word: the class from the density scale is a starting point. The binding class is the NMFC item number the carrier assigns to your commodity, and carriers can reclass at pickup. Always confirm with your carrier.
Measure actuals, not billables: use true outer dimensions (pallet included) and actual weight. Dimensional weight rules apply to parcel shipping; LTL classing uses physical density.
No live rates or quotes: this tool never touches rates, lanes, fuel surcharges, or accessorials. It produces a class estimate only.
Very light freight: anything under 1 lb/cu ft still lands at class 500 but is often handled outside normal density classing — check with the carrier.

Frequently asked questions

What is a freight class?

Freight classes (NMFC classes) run from 50 to 500 and are how LTL carriers price shipments: a lower class generally means a lower rate per pound. Class is determined primarily by density (pounds per cubic foot), refined by the NMFC item number that best describes the commodity. This calculator gives you the density-based estimate — the starting point for a quote.

How is my freight class determined?

In three steps. First, density: total weight in pounds divided by total volume in cubic feet. Second, that density maps to a class on the standard carrier scale (for example 15.0 lb/cu ft is class 77.5). Third, the carrier assigns the actual NMFC item number for your commodity, which can raise or lower the class. The class on your quote or bill of lading is the carrier's final word — this tool estimates step two.

What are the NMFC class numbers and densities?

The standard density scale is: class 50 at 50+ lb/cu ft, 55 at 35–50, 60 at 30–35, 65 at 22.5–30, 70 at 18–22.5, 77.5 at 15–18, 85 at 13–15, 92.5 at 12–13, 100 at 10.5–12, 110 at 9–10.5, 125 at 8–9, 150 at 7–8, 175 at 6–7, 200 at 5–6, 250 at 4–5, 300 at 3–4, 400 at 2–3, and 500 below 2 lb/cu ft. Denser freight costs less per pound to haul, so it gets a lower class.

How do I calculate freight density?

Density = total weight (lb) ÷ total volume (cu ft), and volume = length × width × height in feet. Worked example: a 48 × 40 × 48 inch pallet is 4 × 3.333 × 4 = 53.33 cu ft. At 800 lb that is 800 ÷ 53.33 = 15.0 lb/cu ft, which maps to class 77.5. Include the pallet in the height, and use actual (not billable) dimensions and weight.

Does this calculator give me a shipping quote?

No. It estimates the density-based class only. Actual rates depend on the carrier, lanes, fuel surcharges, accessorials, and the final NMFC item number the carrier assigns. Use the estimate to prepare for quotes, then get real pricing from your carrier — the class here is not a commitment from anyone.

Do you upload my shipment data?

No. This is a static page — the volume, density, and class math runs entirely in your browser tab, and your dimensions and weights are never sent to a server, logged, or stored.

Volumetric Weight Calculator — chargeable weight for courier, air, and sea shipments (DHL/FedEx/UPS 5,000, IATA 6,000, sea CBM × 1,000).
CBM Calculator — estimate cubic meters for sea freight and LCL shipping with container-fit checks.
Document Hygiene — inspect and scrub metadata from documents and photos before sharing them.
Passphrase Generator — create strong random passphrases locally from the EFF word list.
Media Optimizer — resize and compress images in your browser with exact output sizes.
Time Coordinator — find shared meeting windows across time zones, DST-aware.
Payload Workbench — format and convert JSON, YAML, and Base64 payloads locally.
RAG Cleaner — clean text and HTML into deterministic Markdown and chunks, browser-local.
Text Hygiene — inspect invisible Unicode characters and review writing patterns locally.
Subtitle Converter — convert SRT and VTT subtitle files locally.
Bingo Card Generator — free printable bingo cards for 75-ball, 90-ball, or word games.
Date Calculator — count days and business days between dates, or add and subtract days.
Color Contrast Checker — check WCAG AA/AAA contrast ratios between two colors for text and UI.

Part of Local Toolworks. Last reviewed: 2026-08-17.