Air Freight Chargeable Weight Calculator
Compare actual and volumetric weight for air cargo (6,000 or 5,000 divisor, cm or inches) and get the chargeable weight rounded as invoiced.
Airlines charge for whichever is greater: the actual weight of a shipment or its volumetric (dimensional) weight. Light, bulky cargo takes space that could carry heavier freight, so it is billed as if it weighed more. This calculator works out both weights, tells you which one applies and offers an optional shipment-total rounding step.
How to use this tool
- Choose centimetres and kilograms or inches and pounds.
- Enter the number of identical pieces and the dimensions and gross weight of one piece.
- Pick the volumetric factor: 6,000 for standard air cargo, 5,000 for most express couriers, or your carrier’s own divisor.
- Enable optional rounding up to the next half kilogram or whole pound if it matches your tariff.
Formula
Volumetric weight = L × W × H × pieces ÷ divisor; chargeable weight = the greater of actual and volumetric weight
Common tariff choices are 6,000 or 5,000 cm³/kg and 166 or 139 in³/lb. The imperial values are independent tariff choices, not exact unit conversions. At 6,000, each cubic metre represents 166.67 kg. Confirm the actual divisor and measurement rules in your quote.
Example
Three pallets of 120 × 80 × 120 cm weighing 150 kg each: each pallet is 1,152,000 cm³, or 192 kg of volumetric weight. Together they are 576 kg volumetric against 450 kg actual, so the shipment is charged on 576 kg. With a 5,000 divisor the same pallets would be charged on 691.5 kg.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my courier’s dimensional weight higher than my forwarder’s?
Express couriers usually divide by 5,000 instead of 6,000, which raises the volumetric weight by 20%. Check the divisor in each rate agreement before comparing quotes.
Do I measure each piece or the whole shipment?
Measure each piece including packaging and pallets. This tool assumes identical pieces. For mixed pieces, aggregate raw actual and volumetric weights before shipment rounding, or follow the carrier’s per-piece rules. Adding separately rounded chargeable weights can overstate a shipment total.
At what density does actual weight take over?
At the 6,000 divisor the break-even is 166.67 kg per m³, about 10.4 lb per ft³. Denser cargo is charged on actual weight; lighter cargo on volume. Tighter packaging is the quickest way to cut volumetric weight.
How is chargeable weight rounded?
This model optionally rounds the whole shipment once, up by 0.5 kg or 1 lb; 4.2 kg becomes 4.5 kg. Carriers may use different increments, dimension rounding or per-piece rules, so check your tariff.
Sources
Last updated: 2026-10-30