Volumetric Weight Calculator
Enter carton dimensions and actual weight to calculate volumetric (dimensional) weight and chargeable weight. Supports IATA air freight (÷6000), express courier (÷5000), road/LCL sea (÷4000) and custom divisors.
Enter carton dimensions and actual weight to calculate volumetric (dimensional) weight and chargeable weight. Supports IATA air freight (÷6000), express courier (÷5000), road/LCL sea (÷4000) and custom divisors.
Formula
Volumetric Weight (kg) = L × W × H (cm) ÷ Divisor | Chargeable Weight = max(Actual Weight, Volumetric Weight)
Carriers charge on whichever is higher — actual gross weight or volumetric weight. The divisor (6000 for IATA air, 5000 for express courier) converts volume in cm³ to an equivalent weight in kg. Light, bulky shipments are typically billed on volumetric weight.
Worked Example
Carton 60 × 40 × 30 cm · actual weight 8 kg · IATA divisor ÷6000:
Volume = 60 × 40 × 30 = 72,000 cm³
Volumetric weight = 72,000 ÷ 6,000 = 12.0 kg
Actual weight = 8 kg
Chargeable weight = max(12.0, 8.0) = 12.0 kg (volumetric applies)
The carrier bills on 12 kg even though the box only weighs 8 kg. Using the courier divisor (÷5000) instead would give 14.4 kg volumetric weight — making the express courier more expensive per piece. Reducing the carton to 55 × 35 × 28 cm would bring volumetric weight to 10.8 kg, saving approximately 1.2 kg of chargeable weight per carton.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Use this in your workflow
Use the chargeable weight in the Freight Cost per KG Calculator to find the effective freight rate per unit, then feed into the Landed Cost Calculator for full import cost. Browse all Online Business Calculators.
When to use this calculator
- →Comparing air freight vs express courier rates — checking how divisor choice affects chargeable weight
- →Verifying a freight quote to confirm the stated chargeable weight matches dimensions
- →Evaluating carton redesign to bring volumetric weight below actual weight
- →Quickly checking which basis — volumetric or actual — a carrier will bill before booking