Air Freight Chargeable Weight Calculator
Accurately determine how to calculate the chargeable weight for air freight shipments using IATA standards.
Shipment Details
Metric (cm / kg)
Imperial (in / lb)
Select the unit system for your shipment dimensions and weight.
Please enter a valid length.
Please enter a valid width.
Please enter a valid height.
Please enter a valid weight.
Please enter at least 1 piece.
Standard IATA divisor is 6000 for cm/kg (or 166 for in/lb). Some carriers use 5000.
Final Chargeable Weight
0.00 kg
Based on: –
Total Actual Gross Weight
0.00 kg
Total Volumetric Weight
0.00 kg
Total Volume
0.00 m³
Weight Comparison Chart
Calculation Breakdown
| Metric | Value | Formula Used |
|---|---|---|
| Total Volume | – | L × W × H × Qty |
| Volumetric Weight | – | Volume / Divisor |
| Actual Weight | – | Weight/pc × Qty |
How to Calculate the Chargeable Weight for Air Freight: A Complete Guide
Understanding how to calculate the chargeable weight for air freight is essential for logistics managers, importers, and exporters. In the air cargo industry, space is just as valuable as weight. Airlines use a specific formula to ensure they are compensated fairly for light, bulky items that take up significant space but weigh very little.
This guide will walk you through the definitions, the mathematical formulas, and practical examples to help you optimize your shipping costs and avoid unexpected fees.
What is Chargeable Weight?
Chargeable weight is the weight figure used by airlines to determine the cost of a shipment. It is the greater of two values:
- Actual Gross Weight: The real physical weight of the cargo including packaging and pallets.
- Volumetric (Dimensional) Weight: A calculated weight based on the amount of space the cargo occupies.
If you are shipping lead bricks, the actual weight will likely be the chargeable weight. If you are shipping cotton pillows, the volumetric weight will likely be the chargeable weight because the cargo is bulky but light.
How to Calculate the Chargeable Weight for Air Freight: The Formula
To determine the chargeable weight, you must calculate the volumetric weight and compare it to the actual weight. The standard IATA (International Air Transport Association) formula depends on the units of measurement used.
Metric Formula (cm / kg)
Volumetric Weight (kg) = (Length × Width × Height) / 6000
Note: Dimensions are in centimeters. Some carriers may use a divisor of 5000, so always check with your freight forwarder.
Imperial Formula (in / lb)
Volumetric Weight (lb) = (Length × Width × Height) / 166
Note: Dimensions are in inches. The standard divisor is 166 (sometimes simplified to 194 cubic inches per lb for domestic US freight).
Variables Table
| Variable | Meaning | Typical Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| L, W, H | Dimensions of the package | cm or inches | 10 – 300+ |
| Divisor | Dimensional factor | Constant | 6000 (Metric) / 166 (Imperial) |
| Qty | Number of packages | Count | 1 – 1000+ |
Practical Examples of Chargeable Weight Calculation
Example 1: The "Bulky" Shipment (Volumetric Applies)
You are shipping 5 boxes of plastic automotive parts.
- Dimensions: 80cm x 50cm x 40cm per box
- Actual Weight: 15 kg per box
- Quantity: 5 boxes
Step 1: Calculate Total Actual Weight
5 boxes × 15 kg = 75 kg
Step 2: Calculate Volumetric Weight
Volume per box = 80 × 50 × 40 = 160,000 cm³
Total Volume = 160,000 × 5 = 800,000 cm³
Volumetric Weight = 800,000 / 6000 = 133.33 kg
Result: Since 133.33 kg > 75 kg, the Chargeable Weight is 133.33 kg.
Example 2: The "Dense" Shipment (Actual Weight Applies)
You are shipping 2 crates of industrial machinery parts.
- Dimensions: 50cm x 50cm x 50cm per crate
- Actual Weight: 80 kg per crate
- Quantity: 2 crates
Step 1: Calculate Total Actual Weight
2 crates × 80 kg = 160 kg
Step 2: Calculate Volumetric Weight
Volume per crate = 50 × 50 × 50 = 125,000 cm³
Total Volume = 125,000 × 2 = 250,000 cm³
Volumetric Weight = 250,000 / 6000 = 41.67 kg
Result: Since 160 kg > 41.67 kg, the Chargeable Weight is 160 kg.
How to Use This Chargeable Weight Calculator
- Select Unit: Choose between Metric (cm/kg) or Imperial (in/lb) based on your measurement data.
- Enter Dimensions: Input the Length, Width, and Height of a single package.
- Enter Weight: Input the actual physical weight of a single package.
- Enter Quantity: Specify how many identical packages are in the shipment.
- Check Divisor: The default is 6000 (Metric) or 166 (Imperial). Adjust this only if your carrier specifies a different factor (e.g., 5000).
- Analyze Results: The calculator will highlight the chargeable weight in the main result box and show you whether it is based on actual or volumetric weight.
Key Factors That Affect Chargeable Weight Results
When learning how to calculate the chargeable weight for air freight, consider these financial and logistical factors:
- Carrier Divisors: While 6000 is the IATA standard, express couriers (like DHL, FedEx, UPS) often use 5000 as the divisor, which results in a higher volumetric weight and higher costs.
- Packaging Efficiency: Poorly packed pallets with overhangs or excessive void space increase dimensions without adding value, directly increasing volumetric weight.
- Pallet Weight: The weight of the pallet itself (tare weight) is included in the gross weight. Heavy wooden pallets can tip the scale toward actual weight charges.
- Stackability: If your cargo cannot be stacked, some carriers may charge based on the entire vertical column of space in the aircraft, effectively increasing the chargeable height.
- Measurement Rounding: Carriers typically round up dimensions to the nearest whole centimeter or inch. A 0.5 cm increase on all sides can significantly impact the total volume of a large shipment.
- Unit Conversion Errors: Mixing inches with kilograms or centimeters with pounds is a common error that leads to massive miscalculations in freight quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do airlines charge by volumetric weight?
Airlines charge by volumetric weight to account for the space cargo occupies. An aircraft has a limited cargo hold volume. If it is filled with light foam, the plane would be full but underweight, causing the airline to lose revenue compared to carrying denser cargo.
Is the divisor always 6000?
No. 6000 cm³/kg is the standard for general air freight. However, express couriers often use 5000 cm³/kg. Always confirm the divisor with your logistics provider.
How can I reduce my chargeable weight?
You can reduce chargeable weight by optimizing packaging to minimize empty space, using vacuum sealing for soft goods, or nesting items to reduce overall volume.
Does chargeable weight apply to sea freight?
Yes, but the ratio is different. Sea freight typically uses a ratio of 1 cbm = 1000 kg (1:1000), whereas air freight is roughly 1:6 (using the 6000 divisor).
What happens if my dimensions are in inches but weight is in kg?
You must convert one unit to match the standard formula. It is best to convert inches to centimeters (multiply by 2.54) and use the metric formula.
Do I include the pallet in the dimensions?
Yes. You must measure the extreme points of the shipment, including the pallet base, strapping, and any bulging sides.
What is the difference between Net Weight and Gross Weight?
Net weight is the weight of the product alone. Gross weight includes packaging and pallets. Air freight is always calculated based on Gross Weight vs. Volumetric Weight.
Can chargeable weight change after I drop off the cargo?
Yes. The carrier will re-measure and re-weigh the cargo at the terminal. If your declared dimensions were smaller than the actuals, the chargeable weight and price will increase.
Related Tools and Resources
- Freight Class Calculator – Determine the NMFC freight class for LTL shipments.
- CBM Calculator – Calculate cubic meters for sea and air shipments.
- Container Loading Calculator – Optimize how many pallets fit in a container.
- Import Duty Calculator – Estimate taxes and tariffs for international shipping.
- Dimensional Weight Guide – A deep dive into dim weight across different carriers.
- Logistics Glossary – Definitions of common shipping terms like Incoterms and Bill of Lading.