Chargeable Weight Calculator
Estimate the weight your carrier may use to price an air shipment. Enter the total weight, external dimensions and number of packages of the same size. The calculator shows actual weight, volumetric weight and which one determines the estimated chargeable weight.
Your Chargeable Weight Estimate
Calculation: 40 × 30 × 20 cm × 1 package ÷ 5,000 = 4.8 kg
How to Use the Calculator
- Choose a measurement system. Use centimeters and kilograms for metric, or inches and pounds for imperial. Enter the values in the selected units.
- Choose your shipping method. Select Air freight for the 6,000 cm³/kg or 166 in³/lb preset. Select Express / courier if your service uses the 5,000 cm³/kg or 139 in³/lb preset. Confirm the applicable divisor with your carrier or freight forwarder.
- Enter the package dimensions and quantity. Measure the outside length, width and height of one packed unit. Include the pallet or crate if it forms part of the shipping unit. Enter the number of packages that share those external dimensions.
- Enter the total actual weight and select Calculate. Use the combined gross weight of all packages in that group, including packaging. The result shows the actual weight, the calculated volumetric weight and the weight used for the estimate.
How Air Freight Chargeable Weight Is Calculated
Chargeable weight is generally the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight. Actual weight is what the packed cargo weighs on a scale. Volumetric weight, also called dimensional weight, converts the space the cargo occupies into a weight using a divisor.
Volumetric weight = (length × width × height × number of identical packages) ÷ divisor
Estimated chargeable weight = the higher of total actual weight and total volumetric weight
| Calculator preset | Metric divisor | Imperial divisor |
|---|---|---|
| Air freight | 6,000 cm³/kg | 166 in³/lb |
| Express / courier | 5,000 cm³/kg | 139 in³/lb |
A lower divisor produces a higher volumetric weight for the same package dimensions. Carrier divisors can vary by service, so use the value specified for the shipment when checking a quote. For an example of how one carrier lists different divisors by service, see the UPS Air Freight terms and conditions.
Worked Example With Two Cartons
Two packed cartons each measure 60 × 40 × 40 cm and weigh 13 kg each. Enter 26 kg as the total actual weight, 2 as the quantity and select the Air freight preset.
| Result | Calculation | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Actual weight | 13 kg × 2 cartons | 26 kg |
| Volumetric weight | 60 × 40 × 40 × 2 ÷ 6,000 | 32 kg |
| Estimated chargeable weight | Higher of 26 kg and 32 kg | 32 kg |
Use the Result in an Air Freight Quote
Record the packed dimensions, total gross weight and divisor alongside the estimate. If the shipment has different package sizes, calculate volumetric weight for each size group and share the dimensions and actual weight of every piece with your carrier or freight forwarder. Confirm whether the service compares weights per piece or across the shipment, and check its rounding rules and any minimum billable weight.
Use the confirmed chargeable weight to check the weight-based freight charge. Review the quoted rate, surcharges and handling fees separately. See how air freight pricing works for the full calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Run a separate calculation for each group of packages that share the same dimensions. Enter the combined actual weight for each group. Confirm the carrier’s billing method before using the separate estimates to price the shipment.
Measure the greatest external length, width and height, including any protruding packaging. Confirm how your carrier measures irregular cargo and rounds the dimensions before rating it.
The carrier may use a different divisor, reweigh or remeasure the shipment, apply rounding, or enforce a minimum billable weight. It may also compare actual and volumetric weight for each piece. Ask for the measurements and billing basis if you need to reconcile the quote or invoice.