Movers size a job by volume, but price it by weight. The industry rule of thumb — about 7 pounds per cubic foot — turns a cube-out estimate into a weight and a price.
Seven pounds per cubic foot is the standard household-goods estimate.
The example
A cube-out estimates 800 cubic feet of household goods at $0.65 per pound.
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Label | Value |
| 2 | Cubic feet | 800 |
| 3 | Lbs per cubic foot | 7 |
| 4 | Estimated weight | 5,600 lb |
| 5 | Rate per pound | $0.65 |
| 6 | Estimated cost | $3,640 |
The formula
Cube-out to weight, then weight to price:
How it works
The two-step estimate:
- Estimate the shipment's volume in cubic feet from a survey or cube sheet (B2).
- Multiply by the standard 7 lb per cubic foot (B3) to estimate weight: 800 × 7 = 5,600 lb.
- Multiply the weight by your rate per pound (B5) to price the move.
- 5,600 lb × $0.65 = $3,640 estimated transportation cost.
Add valuation, packing, and accessorial charges on top of the line-haul estimate.
Try it: interactive demo
Enter cubic feet and rate per pound — get weight and cost.
Variations
Price straight from cubic feet
Combine both steps into one rate-per-cubic-foot calculation.
Different density assumption
Swap 7 for your own pounds-per-cubic-foot figure if your data differs.
Pitfalls & errors
7 lb/cu ft is an average. Dense loads (books, tools) run heavier; bulky-but-light loads (bedding, lamps) run lighter.
This estimates line-haul only. Add packing, valuation/insurance, stairs, and long-carry fees for a full quote.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
Why 7 pounds per cubic foot?
Is the weight estimate exact?
What else goes in the price?
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