Dimensional Weight Calculator
Enter carton dimensions, quantity and actual weight to calculate dimensional (volumetric) weight and determine which weight the carrier will bill. Supports Express/Courier (÷5000) and IATA Air Freight (÷6000) divisors.
Enter carton dimensions, quantity and actual weight to calculate dimensional (volumetric) weight and determine which weight the carrier will bill. Supports Express/Courier (÷5000) and IATA Air Freight (÷6000) divisors.
Formula
Dimensional Weight (kg) = L × W × H (cm) × Pieces ÷ Divisor | Chargeable = MAX(Actual Weight, Dimensional Weight)
Dimensional weight converts a shipment's volume into an equivalent weight. Using a divisor of 5,000 for express/courier or 6,000 for IATA air freight, the result is compared to the actual gross weight — the carrier charges whichever is higher. This prevents carriers from undercharging on bulky, lightweight cargo.
Worked Example
5 boxes · 60 × 40 × 30 cm · actual weight 20 kg · Express courier (÷5000):
Vol per box = 60 × 40 × 30 = 72,000 cm³
Dim weight per box = 72,000 ÷ 5,000 = 14.4 kg
Total dim weight = 14.4 × 5 = 72 kg
Actual weight = 20 kg
Chargeable weight = MAX(20, 72) = 72 kg (volumetric applies)
The courier bills 72 kg despite the shipment physically weighing only 20 kg. Reducing the box height from 30 cm to 20 cm would cut dimensional weight to 48 kg — a significant saving if the carrier charges $3–5 per chargeable kg.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Use this in your workflow
Once you have the chargeable weight, use the Freight Cost per KG Calculator to find the effective rate and the Landed Cost Calculator to model full import cost per unit. Browse all Online Business Calculators.
When to use this calculator
- →Reviewing a courier or air freight quote to verify whether volumetric weight is being applied correctly
- →Comparing ÷5000 (express) vs ÷6000 (IATA air) to decide the most cost-effective service
- →Evaluating packaging changes to bring cargo below the volumetric threshold
- →Quick sanity check before accepting a freight rate that seems high relative to actual weight