How to use the Shipping & Freight Cubic Feet Calculator
- Measure the outer packed envelope, including pallets, wrapping and protrusions. Enter the combined actual weight of every row.
- Add shipment-envelope rows and matching-item quantities. Enter total weight when you want the density estimate.
- Select Calculate. Review the result and its working; if you change an input, calculate again before copying or sharing.
Shipping & Freight formula
Envelope volume is the sum of the entered item volumes. Shipment density divides actual total weight by that volume.
Envelope volume = Σ(L × W × H × quantity); density = total weight ÷ volume
What the terms mean
- Extra volume allowance
- A percentage added to the geometric volume for the planning assumption you choose.
- Actual shipment weight
- Entered in lb.
Shipping & Freight worked examples
Measure a rectangular shipping envelope
A shipment envelope is 4 ft long, 3 ft wide and 2 ft high. Use no extra volume allowance; weight is omitted in this first example.
- Section 1: L × W × H = 24 ft³ × 1 (add)
- Total × (1 + allowance ÷ 100)
Answer: 24 ft³. Measured item volume: 24 ft³; Cubic yards: 0.888889 yd³; Litres: 679.604318 L;
Calculate a pallet envelope and density
A loaded pallet measures 48 in × 40 in × 36 in and weighs 120 lb. Use no allowance to find its geometric volume and envelope density.
- Section 1: L × W × H = 40 ft³ × 1 (add)
- Total × (1 + allowance ÷ 100)
Answer: 40 ft³. Measured item volume: 40 ft³; Cubic yards: 1.481481 yd³; Litres: 1,132.673864 L; Actual total weight: 120 lb; Envelope density: 3 lb/ft³.
Shipping & Freight Cubic Feet Calculator FAQs
Does density determine freight class here?
No. Classification can depend on commodity and other carrier rules. The tool only calculates the density from your inputs.
Should I include the pallet?
Include its dimensions in the shipped envelope and its weight in the total actual shipment weight.
Measurement guide for Shipping & Freight
Measure the loaded shipment including its pallet and protrusions. Use the actual total shipment weight when you want an envelope-density estimate.
Assumptions and limits
The result is shipment volume and average envelope density. Dimensional weight divisors, freight class and carrier prices are carrier-specific.
Use external packed dimensions. Carrier dimensional weight, freight class and rates require carrier-specific rules.
Check your result
Compare envelope volume and actual shipment weight. The resulting density alone does not determine a carrier’s freight class or price.