Volumetric Weight Calculator

Optimize Air Freight Charges

Dimensions (cm)
Weight & Rate
Enter your shipment details above and click Calculate to see your chargeable weight and cost analysis.

Understanding Volumetric and Chargeable Weight

What is volumetric weight in air freight?

Volumetric weight, also known as dimensional or dim weight, is calculated based on the space a shipment occupies. If the volumetric weight is higher than the actual weight, carriers charge based on that. Our volumetric weight calculator helps you check this instantly.

What is considered a volumetric (bubble) cargo?

If your shipment has a large volume but low actual weight, it's considered volumetric or bubble cargo, meaning shipping cost is based on volume rather than physical weight.

What is chargeable weight in air freight?

Chargeable weight is the weight used to calculate freight charges. It's the greater of the actual weight or the volumetric weight. Our air freight chargeable weight calculator compares both to give you this number.

Why is volumetric weight charged in air freight?

Air freight pricing is based on space efficiency. Lightweight but bulky cargo takes up more space, so carriers apply volumetric pricing to ensure fair use of cargo capacity.

What is the difference between actual weight and volumetric weight?

Actual weight is measured on a scale. Volumetric weight is calculated from dimensions. The higher of the two is considered the chargeable weight.

Using the Volumetric Weight Calculator

How is volumetric weight calculated?

The formula is: (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 6000. Our volumetric weight calculator for air freight uses this formula by default to give results in kilograms.

How do I calculate chargeable weight?

Simply enter your package dimensions and actual weight into our air cargo weight calculator. It compares both and outputs the chargeable weight used for billing.

What units does this Volumetric Weight Calculator support?

Our volume weight calculator for air freight currently supports only centimeters (cm) for dimensions and kilograms (kg) for weight. Please convert other units manually before input. The divisor used is fixed at 6000 and cannot be adjusted.

Can I use this Air Cargo Weight Calculator for all air freight shipments?

Yes, our air freight volume weight calculator uses the standard 6000 divisor, which applies to most air freight shipments. However, it's not suitable for sea freight, land freight, or specific custom carrier rules that use different divisors.

Can I use this Air Freight Calculator to estimate shipping costs?

No. This is not an Air Freight Calculator. It does not provide Volumetric Weight Calculator price quotes. It only helps calculate weight to identify possible Air Freight Optimizer opportunities.

Cost Optimization & Packing Tips

How can I reduce air freight costs caused by volumetric weight?

To truly optimize air freight costs and save on air cargo, focus on reducing your package's dimensions. Use dense packaging materials, eliminate empty space, and choose smaller boxes whenever possible. Our air freight optimizer helps you spot unnecessary volume and take immediate action.

Why is correct volumetric weight calculation important for cost savings?

Incorrect volumetric weight calculations can lead to unexpected charges or overpaying your carrier. Our air freight dim weight calculator ensures accurate inputs, helping you project your freight cost savings and reduce financial risk by confirming the chargeable weight before you ship.

Can small changes in packaging actually reduce chargeable weight?

Absolutely. Even minor reductions of just a few centimeters in your box's length, width, or height can significantly shift your volume weight and lead to real air cargo cost savings. Our Volumetric Weight Calculator tool allows you to quickly test different package sizes to see the impactt.

When should I consider repacking my cargo for better density?

If the calculated chargeable weight is significantly higher than your cargo's actual weight, especially for lightweight but bulky items (like textiles or plastic components), repacking for higher density is highly advisable as an Air Freight Optimizer strategy. This is a legal and effective way to achieve Freight Cost Savings and minimize volumetric weight charges.

Can I use this Air Freight Optimizer to plan better air freight strategies?

Yes. By using our air freight volume calculator, you can analyze your cargo's dimensional impact before booking. This helps you avoid unexpected dimensional surprises, improve overall logistics planning, and identify opportunities to save on air cargo.

Does this Air Freight Calculator provide actual air freight rates?

No, this is not an air freight rate calculator. Our Volumetric Weight Calculator tool's primary purpose is to help you calculate volumetric weight and chargeable weight, and identify potential air cargo cost savings based on package optimization, not to provide shipping quotes or price comparisons.