Chargeable Weight Calculator
Calculate the chargeable weight of a shipment by comparing its actual weight with its volumetric (dimensional) weight. Use an air-freight, courier/express or custom volumetric divisor.
Calculation breakdown
| Calculation | Result |
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What is chargeable weight?
Chargeable weight is the weight a carrier uses when rating a shipment. It is normally based on whichever is greater: the shipment's actual weight or its volumetric weight. Volumetric weight reflects the amount of space a package occupies.
This matters because a large, lightweight package can consume more aircraft or vehicle capacity than a small package with the same physical weight.
Chargeable weight formula
Volumetric weight = Length × Width × Height ÷ Volumetric divisor
Chargeable weight = Greater of actual weight or volumetric weight
For multiple identical packages, CalcAtlas multiplies both the actual and volumetric weights by the package quantity before comparing them.
Common volumetric divisors
| Preset | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Air freight | 6000 cm³/kg | 166 in³/lb |
| Courier / express | 5000 cm³/kg | 139 in³/lb |
These are useful standard presets, but carriers, products and contracts can use different divisors and rounding rules. Use the custom divisor option if your carrier specifies another value, and verify the final billable weight against the carrier's current tariff or service guide.
Example chargeable weight calculation
A package measures 80 × 60 × 50 cm and actually weighs 18 kg. Using the 6000 cm³/kg air-freight divisor:
80 × 60 × 50 ÷ 6000 = 40 kg volumetric weight
The volumetric weight of 40 kg is greater than the actual weight of 18 kg, so the unrounded chargeable weight is 40 kg.
How to use the chargeable weight calculator
- Select metric or imperial units.
- Choose an air-freight, courier/express or custom divisor.
- Enter the actual weight of one package.
- Enter the package length, width and height.
- If you have several identical packages, enter the quantity.
- Select a rounding method if your carrier requires one.
- Press Calculate.
Actual weight vs volumetric weight
Actual weight is the physical scale weight of the package, including its packaging. Volumetric weight, also called dimensional weight or DIM weight, is calculated from the package dimensions and a carrier divisor.
If actual weight is greater, the shipment is weight-limited. If volumetric weight is greater, the shipment is space-limited and the larger volumetric figure normally becomes the chargeable weight.
Frequently asked questions
Is chargeable weight the same as volumetric weight?
Not always. Volumetric weight is one of the two values used to determine chargeable weight. Chargeable weight is generally the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight.
What divisor should I use for air freight?
A common general air-freight factor is 6000 cm³/kg, approximately equivalent to 166 in³/lb. Some services use a different factor, so check the carrier or freight forwarder's current rules.
Why does courier dimensional weight often use 5000 or 139?
Many express parcel services use 5000 when dimensions are in centimetres and weight is in kilograms, or 139 when dimensions are in inches and weight is in pounds. The exact divisor can depend on the carrier, service, route or contract.
Should dimensions be rounded before calculating?
Carrier rules differ. Some require package dimensions to be rounded before the dimensional-weight calculation, while others have their own measurement and billing procedures. Enter the dimensions according to the rules that apply to your shipment.
Does this calculator give a shipping price?
No. It calculates chargeable weight only. Shipping price also depends on route, service, rate tables, fuel surcharges, handling charges, taxes and other carrier-specific factors.