Chargeable & Volumetric Weight Calculator
Use this page to calculate chargeable weight (also called billable weight) and volumetric weight for international shipments. Carriers price freight based on the higher of:
- Actual weight (scale weight in kg), and
- Volumetric weight (dimensional weight derived from cm measurements)
This matters most for air freight, air express, and parcel-style shipments where space can cost more than weight. If you are deciding between modes, start with international freight shipping solutions and compare timelines and cost drivers before booking.
Definitions
Chargeable Weight vs Volumetric Weight
What Is Chargeable Weight?
Chargeable weight is the number used to price transport. It is calculated as:
Chargeable weight = max(actual weight, volumetric weight)
If your cargo is light but bulky (for example, pillows, apparel cartons, or retail displays), the volumetric weight is often higher than the scale weight, and that becomes the billable weight.
If you are planning a shipment door-to-door, the same pricing logic is part of the full quote breakdown explained in how to calculate air freight charges and how to calculate ocean freight charges.
What Is Volumetric Weight?
Volumetric weight reflects how much space your shipment occupies. Carriers convert volume into a weight-equivalent using a dimensional factor.
Volumetric Weight Formula (cm/kg)
Volumetric weight (kg) = (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ Dimensional factor
Common dimensional factors vary by service level:
- Courier / air express: often 5000 or 6000
- Air freight: depends on airline, route, and consolidation rules
- Ocean LCL: often priced using W/M (weight or measure), comparing volume and weight
If you are shipping by air, review air freight options and timelines alongside your chargeable weight estimate.
How To Calculate Chargeable Weight Step By Step (cm/kg)
Chargeable weight (also called billable weight) is the number carriers use to price a shipment. It is based on whichever is higher: actual weight or volumetric weight. Follow the steps below to calculate it accurately for cartons, multi-piece shipments, or palletized cargo.
1) Measure Dimensions In cm
Measure the maximum length, width, and height of each carton (or the loaded pallet footprint and height).
Tip: For irregular shapes, measure the widest points because carriers price based on the space your shipment occupies.
2) Weigh In kg
Use the actual scale weight per carton (preferred) or the total shipment weight in kg.
For multi-carton shipments, keeping weights per piece helps you spot items driving cost.
3) Calculate Volumetric Weight
Volumetric weight (dimensional weight) converts size into a weight-equivalent value.
Formula (cm/kg):
Volumetric weight (kg) = (L × W × H in cm) ÷ dimensional factor
Common dimensional factors vary by service and carrier rules (often 5000 or 6000).
For multiple cartons:
Calculate each carton’s volumetric weight and add them up:
Total volumetric weight (kg) = Σ[(L×W×H) ÷ factor]
4) Compare And Use The Higher Number
Now determine the pricing weight:
Chargeable weight = max(actual weight, volumetric weight)
That final result is the chargeable weight used for rating and pricing in many air, express, and parcel-style shipments.
Worked Example (cm/kg)
Carton: 60 × 40 × 40 cm
Actual weight: 10 kg
Volumetric weight at factor 5000:
(60×40×40) ÷ 5000 = 19.2 kg
Chargeable weight:
max(10, 19.2) = 19.2 kg
In this case, the shipment will be priced closer to 19.2 kg, not 10 kg.
When This Matters Most
Air Freight And Air Express
Air Freight And Air Express
Dimensional pricing is common in air services because capacity is constrained by both weight and space. If your shipment is urgent or high value, compare service options through air freight and estimate billable weight before requesting a quote.
LCL Ocean Freight (Volume-Based Pricing)
LCL Ocean Freight (Volume-Based Pricing)
For LCL shipping, pricing frequently considers volume (CBM) versus weight, using W/M rules. If you are shipping cartons or pallets without filling a full container, check lcl shipping and use this guide to understand why bulky cargo may price higher.
FCL Ocean Freight
FCL Ocean Freight
For full containers, pricing is usually container-based, but accurate dimensions still matter for loading plans and documentation. If you are containerizing, see fcl shipping to choose the right container type and service level.
Practical Tips To Reduce Chargeable Weight
- Right-size cartons to remove void space
- Repack into stronger packaging with less air
- Avoid “over-boxing” lightweight items
- For multiple cartons, consider consolidation into fewer pieces when it reduces total volumetric weight
- Compare air vs ocean if lead time allows (start with international freight forwarder guidance to select the right mode)
Next Step: Get A Freight Quote
Once you have your shipment’s dimensions and weight, you can request an international freight quote with fewer revisions and more predictable line items. If you are unsure which service fits your cargo, start with international freight forwarder guidance and compare air vs ocean based on timeline, cargo type, and cost.
FAQs
Not always. If your shipment is dense (heavy relative to its size), actual weight can be higher and becomes the chargeable weight.
It depends on carrier and service (commonly 5000 or 6000 for express). Use your quote’s stated factor when available, and treat 6000 as a conservative assumption for estimating.
Chargeable weight is most relevant for air and courier-style pricing, and LCL where W/M applies. Your final pricing depends on the service and lane, so it is best to compare options through international freight shipping and then request a quote.