Freight Chargeable Weight Calculator
Calculate air freight chargeable weight from actual gross weight and volumetric weight. Supports cm, inches and metres, IATA 6000 and courier 5000 divisors, with an explanation of which weight the carrier will charge.
Enter carton dimensions, piece count and gross weight to instantly find the air freight chargeable weight — the weight the carrier will bill you on.
Formula
Volumetric Weight (kg) = (L × W × H × Pieces) ÷ Divisor | Chargeable = MAX(Actual, Volumetric)
Dimensions must be in centimetres for the standard divisor. The divisor converts cm³ to kg. IATA standard for air cargo is 6000 cm³/kg; express couriers typically use 5000. Chargeable weight is whichever is greater: actual gross weight or volumetric weight.
Worked Example
10 cartons, each 80 × 60 × 50 cm, total gross 85 kg, divisor 6000:
Volume per carton = 80 × 60 × 50 = 240,000 cm³
Total = 240,000 × 10 = 2,400,000 cm³ = 2.400 m³
Volumetric weight = 2,400,000 ÷ 6,000 = 400 kg
Actual = 85 kg → Chargeable = MAX(400, 85) = 400 kg
Despite 85 kg actual weight, the airline charges 400 kg. Packing more densely or reducing carton size would cut this significantly.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Use this in your workflow
Once you have the chargeable weight, use the Landed Cost Calculator to include it in your full import cost per unit. For shipping volume on sea freight, use the CBM Calculator. Back to the Business Calculator Hub.
When to use this calculator
- →Comparing air freight quotes to check if they are based on actual or volumetric weight
- →Deciding whether to consolidate shipments or ship separately
- →Estimating freight cost when designing product packaging
- →Checking DHL, FedEx and UPS rate calculations