Freight Class Calculator (NMFC Density)

Q: What class is a 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet weighing 500 lb?

Volume = 48 × 40 × 48 ÷ 1,728 = 53.33 ft³; density = 500 ÷ 53.33 = 9.38 pcf, which falls in the 8 to less than 10 tier (Sub 6), class 100 on the standard density scale.

Q: What changed in the NMFC density scale in 2025?

Docket 2025-1 (Disposition Bulletin 1371) expanded the standard scale from 11 to 13 subprovisions, effective 19 July 2025: 30 to less than 35 pcf is class 60, 35 to less than 50 pcf is class 55, and 50 pcf or more is class 50.

Q: Can I use centimetres and kilograms?

Yes. Choose cm and kg; the calculator converts to inches and pounds (1 in = 2.54 cm, 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg) before applying the pcf tiers, and also shows kg/m³ (1 pcf ≈ 16.018 kg/m³).

NMFC standard density scale (13 subprovisions, effective 2025-07-19)

d is density in pounds per cubic foot (pcf). Values from NMFTA Disposition Bulletin 1371; the kg/m³ lower bound is converted.

Filter chart

NMFC standard density scale (13 subprovisions, effective 2025-07-19)
Subprovision	Density range (pcf)	Lower bound kg/m³ (converted)	Class
Sub 1	d < 1	0.0	400
Sub 2	1 ≤ d < 2	16.0	300
Sub 3	2 ≤ d < 4	32.0	250
Sub 4	4 ≤ d < 6	64.1	175
Sub 5	6 ≤ d < 8	96.1	125
Sub 6	8 ≤ d < 10	128.1	100
Sub 7	10 ≤ d < 12	160.2	92.5
Sub 8	12 ≤ d < 15	192.2	85
Sub 9	15 ≤ d < 22.5	240.3	70
Sub 10	22.5 ≤ d < 30	360.4	65
Sub 11	30 ≤ d < 35	480.6	60
Sub 12	35 ≤ d < 50	560.6	55
Sub 13	d ≥ 50	800.9	50

Formula and method

Cubic feet = L × W × H (inches) ÷ 1,728 × units (centimetres are first divided by 2.54). Density (pcf) = total weight in lb ÷ total cubic feet (1 kg = 2.20462 lb). Class from the 13-tier density scale: <1→400, 1–<2→300, 2–<4→250, 4–<6→175, 6–<8→125, 8–<10→100, 10–<12→92.5, 12–<15→85, 15–<22.5→70, 22.5–<30→65, 30–<35→60, 35–<50→55, ≥50→50.

Worked example

One 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet at 500 lb: 53.33 ft³, 9.38 pcf, Sub 6, estimated class 100.

Assumptions and limits

The result is an estimate on the NMFC standard density scale. The binding class depends on the commodity's NMFC item: some items have a fixed class or are not rated on density alone because of stowability, handling or liability.
Following the NMFC Item 170 principle, measure the shipment (including the pallet) at its extreme points. Multiplying by the number of units only fits identical units; for mixed pallets add up the volumes and weights separately.
A carrier's tariff, FAK agreement or own density rules can override this scale. Freight charges are not calculated here.

Frequently asked questions

What class is a 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet weighing 500 lb?

Volume = 48 × 40 × 48 ÷ 1,728 = 53.33 ft³; density = 500 ÷ 53.33 = 9.38 pcf, which falls in the 8 to less than 10 tier (Sub 6), class 100 on the standard density scale.

What changed in the NMFC density scale in 2025?

Docket 2025-1 (Disposition Bulletin 1371) expanded the standard scale from 11 to 13 subprovisions, effective 19 July 2025: 30 to less than 35 pcf is class 60, 35 to less than 50 pcf is class 55, and 50 pcf or more is class 50.

Can I use centimetres and kilograms?

Yes. Choose cm and kg; the calculator converts to inches and pounds (1 in = 2.54 cm, 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg) before applying the pcf tiers, and also shows kg/m³ (1 pcf ≈ 16.018 kg/m³).

References

Freight Class Calculator (NMFC Density) practical guide and common questions

What does Freight Class Calculator (NMFC Density) calculate?

Enter the outside dimensions of each handling unit (including the pallet, measured at the extreme points) and its weight. Density = total weight in pounds ÷ total cubic feet, which is then matched to the NMFC standard 13-subprovision density scale effective 19 July 2025. Cubic feet = L × W × H (inches) ÷ 1,728 × units (centimetres are first divided by 2.54). Density (pcf) = total weight in lb ÷ total cubic feet (1 kg = 2.20462 lb). Class from the 13-tier density scale: <1→400, 1–<2→300, 2–<4→250, 4–<6→175, 6–<8→125, 8–<10→100, 10–<12→92.5, 12–<15→85, 15–<22.5→70, 22.5–<30→65, 30–<35→60, 35–<50→55, ≥50→50.

When is this useful?

One 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet at 500 lb: 53.33 ft³, 9.38 pcf, Sub 6, estimated class 100.

How do I enter the inputs?

Enter the inputs for Freight Class Calculator (NMFC Density): Length (per unit), Width (per unit), Height (per unit, incl. pallet), Dimension unit, Weight (per unit, incl. pallet), Weight unit, Number of identical units. Calculate, check the units and assumptions, then copy or download the results.

How should I interpret the results?

The result is an estimate on the NMFC standard density scale. The binding class depends on the commodity's NMFC item: some items have a fixed class or are not rated on density alone because of stowability, handling or liability. Following the NMFC Item 170 principle, measure the shipment (including the pallet) at its extreme points. Multiplying by the number of units only fits identical units; for mixed pallets add up the volumes and weights separately. A carrier's tariff, FAK agreement or own density rules can override this scale. Freight charges are not calculated here.

Where are my inputs processed?

Freight Class Calculator (NMFC Density) runs in this browser. Inputs are not uploaded to a calculation server; copying and CSV download require your action. The existing site analytics and advertising still load.