Density:

Density is the weight per cubic foot of an object. When determining the class code of freight in the NMFC, density is used for identification purposes.

The formula is:

Density = Mass ÷ Volume

First we need to know mass.

For this scenario, we will use a 55" x 14" x 2" carton weighing 10.02 pounds, so:

Mass = 10.02 lbs.

Now we need to determine volume.

Volume is the length x height x width. 55" x 14" x 2" = 1540 cubic inches. There are 1728 cubic inches in a foot, so to get the cubic feet, we divide 1540 by 1728. 1540 ÷ 1728 = .89 cf.

Volume = .89 cf

Now apply the formula.

Mass (10.02) ÷ Volume (.89) = 11.26 lbs per cubic foot. (Density)

The density of this example is 11.26 lbs per cubic ft.

Example:  MASS   ÷  VOLUME     =     DENSITY
               (weight)  ÷     (CF)          =    DENSITY