Enter your shipment dimensions to find the volume weight.
Enter the length of your shipment in centimeters (cm).
Enter the width of your shipment in centimeters (cm).
Enter the height of your shipment in centimeters (cm).
5000 (Standard IATA)
6000
7000
Select the density factor used by the airline (e.g., 5000 for IATA).
Your Shipment's Volume Weight
Volume Weight—
Actual Weight (kg)—
Chargeable Weight (kg)—
Volume (m³)—
The Volume Weight (in kg) is calculated as: (Length cm × Width cm × Height cm) / Density Factor. The Chargeable Weight is the greater of the Actual Weight and the Volume Weight.
Chargeable Weight vs. Actual Weight
Shipment Details Summary
Metric
Value
Unit
Length
—
cm
Width
—
cm
Height
—
cm
Density Factor
—
kg/m³
Volume
—
m³
Actual Weight
—
kg
Volume Weight
—
kg
Chargeable Weight
—
kg
What is Air Freight Volume Weight?
Air freight volume weight, also known as dimensional weight or "dim weight," is a pricing technique used by airlines and freight forwarders to account for the space a shipment occupies on an aircraft, not just its actual mass. Because aircraft cargo holds have limited space, carriers need to ensure they are compensated for the volume taken up by lighter, bulkier goods. Essentially, it's a way to approximate the weight of a shipment based on its dimensions, ensuring that shipments that are large but not very heavy are charged appropriately.
Who Should Use It?
Anyone involved in shipping goods via air needs to understand and calculate volume weight. This includes:
Exporters and Importers: Businesses that ship physical goods internationally or domestically.
Logistics Managers: Professionals responsible for planning and managing the transportation of goods.
E-commerce Businesses: Online retailers who ship products to customers, as packaging size directly impacts shipping costs.
Freight Forwarders: Companies that arrange shipments on behalf of shippers.
Common Misconceptions
A common misconception is that only very light and bulky items are affected by volume weight. In reality, any shipment where the volume weight exceeds the actual weight will be priced based on the volume weight. Another misconception is that the calculation is universally standardized; while the IATA standard is common, different carriers might use slightly different density factors.
Air Freight Volume Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core of calculating air freight volume weight lies in a simple formula that converts the physical dimensions of a package into a "chargeable" weight. This ensures that airlines recover costs associated with the space utilized.
The Formula
The most common formula for calculating volume weight in kilograms is:
Length, Width, Height: These are the external dimensions of your shipment, typically measured in centimeters (cm) or inches (in). It's crucial to measure the longest dimension first, then the next longest, and the shortest.
Density Factor: This is a conversion constant set by the airline or freight forwarder. It represents the maximum weight allowed for a specific volume. A common industry standard, particularly by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is a density factor of 5000 cm³/kg. This means that for every cubic meter (1,000,000 cm³), the shipment is considered to weigh at least 200 kg (1,000,000 cm³ / 5000 cm³/kg = 200 kg). Some carriers may use different factors, like 6000 cm³/kg.
Step-by-Step Derivation
Measure Dimensions: Accurately measure the length, width, and height of your shipment in centimeters.
Calculate Volume: Multiply the three dimensions together: Length × Width × Height. This gives you the total volume in cubic centimeters (cm³).
Apply Density Factor: Divide the total volume (in cm³) by the airline's specified density factor.
Result: The result is the volume weight of your shipment in kilograms (kg).
Chargeable Weight Determination
The airline will compare the calculated volume weight with the actual gross weight of the shipment. The higher of the two values is considered the chargeable weight and is used for calculating the shipping cost.
Chargeable Weight = Maximum (Actual Weight, Volume Weight)
Variables Table
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range/Values
Length (L)
The longest dimension of the shipment.
cm or inches
Varies greatly; e.g., 10 cm to 300+ cm
Width (W)
The second longest dimension of the shipment.
cm or inches
Varies greatly; e.g., 10 cm to 200+ cm
Height (H)
The shortest dimension of the shipment.
cm or inches
Varies greatly; e.g., 5 cm to 200+ cm
Volume Weight
The calculated weight based on shipment dimensions.
kg
Calculated value
Actual Weight (Gross Weight)
The measured weight of the shipment using a scale.
kg
Varies greatly; e.g., 1 kg to 1000+ kg
Chargeable Weight
The weight used for billing purposes (the greater of Actual or Volume Weight).
kg
Calculated value, >= Actual Weight or Volume Weight
Density Factor
A conversion constant set by carriers.
cm³/kg
Commonly 5000 cm³/kg; others include 6000 cm³/kg
Volume
The space occupied by the shipment.
m³ (or cm³)
Calculated value
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Shipping Electronics
A company is shipping a pallet of lightweight but bulky electronic components. The pallet's dimensions are:
Chargeable Weight = Maximum (150 kg, 192 kg) = 192 kg
Interpretation:
Even though the pallet only weighs 150 kg, it occupies significant space. The calculated volume weight is 192 kg. Therefore, the airline will charge for 192 kg. This highlights the importance of optimizing packaging to reduce dimensions for such shipments.
Example 2: Shipping Dense Goods
A different company is shipping a consignment of heavy machine parts. The package dimensions are:
Length: 50 cm
Width: 50 cm
Height: 50 cm
Actual Weight: 200 kg
Density Factor: 5000 cm³/kg
Calculation:
Volume = 50 cm × 50 cm × 50 cm = 125,000 cm³
Volume Weight = 125,000 cm³ / 5000 cm³/kg = 25 kg
Chargeable Weight = Maximum (200 kg, 25 kg) = 200 kg
Interpretation:
In this case, the shipment is very dense. The calculated volume weight is only 25 kg, but the actual weight is 200 kg. The airline will charge based on the actual weight of 200 kg because it is higher than the volume weight. This scenario is typical for dense cargo like metals or machinery.
How to Use This Air Freight Volume Weight Calculator
Our calculator simplifies the process of determining your shipment's volume weight and chargeable weight. Follow these simple steps:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Measure Dimensions: Accurately measure the length, width, and height of your shipment in centimeters (cm).
Enter Details: Input these measurements into the 'Length', 'Width', and 'Height' fields of the calculator.
Input Actual Weight: Enter the actual measured weight of your shipment in kilograms (kg) into the 'Actual Weight' field.
Select Density Factor: Choose the appropriate density factor from the dropdown. The standard IATA factor is 5000 cm³/kg, but confirm with your carrier if unsure.
Calculate: Click the "Calculate Volume Weight" button.
How to Read Results
Volume Weight: This is the calculated weight based on your shipment's dimensions and the selected density factor.
Actual Weight: This is the value you entered, representing the physical weight of the shipment.
Chargeable Weight: This is the most important figure for pricing. It's the higher value between the Volume Weight and the Actual Weight. Your shipping cost will be based on this number.
Volume: Displays the total volume occupied by your shipment in cubic meters (m³).
Decision-Making Guidance
Understanding your chargeable weight is crucial for effective logistics planning and cost management.
For Bulky, Light Shipments: If your chargeable weight is determined by volume weight, look for ways to consolidate shipments, optimize packaging, or consider less space-intensive alternatives if possible.
For Dense, Heavy Shipments: If your chargeable weight is based on actual weight, focus on efficient packing and handling of heavy items.
Use the 'Copy Results' button to easily transfer the figures for quoting or record-keeping. The dynamic chart and table provide a visual comparison and detailed breakdown.
Key Factors That Affect Air Freight Volume Weight Calculations
While the formula itself is straightforward, several external factors can influence the final chargeable weight and overall air freight costs:
Carrier's Density Factor: As demonstrated, different airlines may use varying density factors (e.g., 5000, 6000 cm³/kg). Always confirm the factor used by your specific carrier to avoid discrepancies. Using a higher density factor (e.g., 6000) results in a lower volume weight for the same dimensions.
Dimensional Accuracy: Inaccurate measurements of length, width, or height can lead to incorrect volume weight calculations. Ensure measurements are taken from the outermost points of the package, including any protrusions.
Actual Weight Verification: Carriers have scales to verify the actual weight. Ensure your declared actual weight matches the actual weight as closely as possible.
Packaging Materials: The type and amount of packaging used directly impact the dimensions and actual weight. Opting for lighter, more compact packaging solutions can significantly reduce volume weight and potentially chargeable weight. Explore innovative packaging solutions.
Consolidation Opportunities: Shipping multiple smaller items together in a larger box can sometimes increase the overall volume weight significantly. Evaluating if it's more cost-effective to ship items separately or consolidated is key. Consider freight consolidation services.
Type of Goods: The nature of the goods (e.g., perishables requiring refrigeration, hazardous materials) can affect handling fees, specific aircraft capacity, and potentially even the density factors applied, although the volume calculation method remains the same.
Fuel Surcharges & Fees: While not directly part of the volume weight calculation, overall air freight costs are heavily influenced by fluctuating fuel surcharges, security fees, and handling charges. Understanding these components is part of effective air cargo cost management.
Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to international shipping regulations (e.g., customs documentation, hazardous goods declarations) is mandatory. Non-compliance can lead to delays, fines, and additional costs, indirectly affecting the total logistics expense.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the standard density factor for air freight?
The most widely used standard density factor is 5000 cm³/kg, often referred to as the IATA (International Air Transport Association) standard. However, it's crucial to verify this with your specific airline or freight forwarder, as some may use different factors (e.g., 6000 cm³/kg).
Do all air cargo carriers use volume weight?
Yes, the practice of using volume weight (or dimensional weight) is standard across virtually all major air cargo carriers worldwide. It's a fundamental part of their pricing structure to account for space utilization.
How do I measure the dimensions accurately?
Measure the length, width, and height from the outermost points of the shipment. For irregular shapes, measure the bounding box. Ensure you are consistent with units (e.g., all centimeters).
What if my shipment is lighter than the volume weight?
If your shipment's actual weight is less than its calculated volume weight, you will be charged based on the higher volume weight. This calculator helps identify such scenarios so you can plan accordingly.
What if my shipment is heavier than the volume weight?
If your shipment's actual weight is greater than its calculated volume weight, you will be charged based on the actual weight. This is common for dense materials like metals or machinery.
Does volume weight apply to all types of shipments?
Volume weight applies to general air cargo. However, certain specialized cargo, like live animals or specific types of express courier services, might have different pricing structures, although dimensional considerations often still play a role.
Can I reduce my air freight costs by optimizing volume weight?
Yes, by using efficient packaging, consolidating shipments where possible, and ensuring you aren't shipping excessive air within boxes, you can minimize your volume weight and potentially lower your air freight costs, especially for lighter, bulkier items.
How does volume weight differ from actual weight?
Actual weight is the physical mass of the shipment measured on a scale. Volume weight is a notional weight calculated from the shipment's dimensions, representing the space it occupies. Air freight charges are based on the greater of these two (the chargeable weight).
Are there differences in volume weight calculation for sea freight?
Yes, sea freight typically uses different units and methods. It often involves calculating 'Cubic Meters' (CBM) for Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments or uses container load counts for Full Container Load (FCL). While space is also a factor, the calculation method and units differ significantly from air freight's volume weight.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
International Shipping ChecklistEnsure you have all necessary documents and understand the procedures for international shipments.