Calculate Cubic Feet, Density (PCF), and Freight Volume Costs
Shipment Dimensions (per piece)
Shipment Details
Combined weight of all pieces
Cost Factors (Optional)
Calculation Results
Total Volume (Cubic Feet):0.00 ft³
Total Volume (Cubic Meters):0.00 m³
Total Dimensions (Inches):0 in³
Freight Density (PCF):0.00 lbs/ft³
Density determines freight class. Higher density often means lower class/rate.
Estimated Cube Cost:$0.00
Understanding the Cube Rate Calculator for Logistics
In the world of logistics, LTL (Less Than Truckload), and ocean freight, "cubing out" a shipment is a critical calculation. The Cube Rate Calculator helps shippers, freight forwarders, and logistics planners determine the volumetric footprint of their cargo, the density of the shipment, and the associated costs based on cubic volume.
What is a "Cube" in Shipping?
The term "Cube" refers to the total volume a shipment occupies in a trailer or container, typically measured in Cubic Feet (ft³). Carriers are limited by two main factors: weight and space (volume). Lightweight, bulky items (like pillows or assembled furniture) take up significant space but have low weight. This is where calculating the Cube Rate becomes essential for accurate pricing.
How to Calculate Cubic Feet
To calculate the cube of a shipment, you must follow the standard formula used by carriers:
Step 1: Measure Length, Width, and Height in inches.
Step 2: Multiply L × W × H to get cubic inches.
Step 3: Divide the result by 1,728 (since there are 1,728 cubic inches in one cubic foot).
Step 4: Multiply by the number of handling units (pallets/pieces).
Why Freight Density (PCF) Matters
The calculator above also computes PCF (Pounds Per Cubic Foot). This is the single most important metric for LTL freight classification.
Density is calculated as: Total Weight (lbs) ÷ Total Cubic Feet.
Example Scenarios:
Low Density (e.g., < 6 lbs/ft³): Often classified as Class 250 or higher. These are expensive to ship because they fill the truck without adding weight.
High Density (e.g., > 15 lbs/ft³): Often classified as Class 70 or lower. These are cheaper to ship per pound because they are compact.
Using the Cube Rate for Cost Estimation
Some carriers, specifically in ocean freight or specialized consolidation programs, charge a "Cube Rate"—a flat dollar amount per cubic foot, rather than by weight or classification. By inputting your "Rate per Cubic Foot" in the calculator, you can estimate your total freight liability based strictly on volume.
Tips for Accurate Measurements
Always measure to the furthest point of the pallet or crate. If a box hangs over the pallet edge, measure the box. If the pallet is larger than the box, measure the pallet. Carriers will "cube" the shipment based on the maximum rectangular space it occupies in the truck.
function calculateCubeRate() {
// 1. Get Input Values
var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById("lengthInput").value);
var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById("widthInput").value);
var height = parseFloat(document.getElementById("heightInput").value);
var quantity = parseFloat(document.getElementById("quantityInput").value);
var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById("weightInput").value);
var rate = parseFloat(document.getElementById("rateInput").value);
// 2. Validate Inputs
if (isNaN(length) || isNaN(width) || isNaN(height) || isNaN(quantity)) {
alert("Please enter valid dimensions and quantity.");
return;
}
if (length <= 0 || width <= 0 || height <= 0 || quantity 0 && weight > 0) {
density = weight / cubicFeet;
}
// Total Cost
var totalCost = cubicFeet * rate;
// 4. Update UI with Results
// Show the results container
document.getElementById("results").style.display = "block";
// Display formatted numbers
document.getElementById("resCubicFeet").innerHTML = cubicFeet.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}) + " ft³";
document.getElementById("resCubicMeters").innerHTML = cubicMeters.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}) + " m³";
document.getElementById("resTotalInches").innerHTML = totalVolInches.toLocaleString() + " in³";
document.getElementById("resDensity").innerHTML = density.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}) + " lbs/ft³";
if (rate > 0) {
document.getElementById("resTotalCost").innerHTML = "$" + totalCost.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
} else {
document.getElementById("resTotalCost").innerHTML = "—";
}
}