Multiple Package Lines
Add different box, carton, crate or pallet dimensions within the same shipment and enter the quantity and weight of each.
Air Freight Tools
Chargeable Weight Calculator
Calculate air freight chargeable weight by comparing gross weight with volumetric weight. Enter package dimensions, quantity and weight to determine the weight airlines will use for pricing.
Start CalculationAir Freight Weight Calculation
Calculate Air Freight Chargeable Weight
Airlines normally price air freight using whichever is greater: the shipment’s actual gross weight or its volumetric weight. Add one or more package sizes to compare both figures and identify the indicative chargeable weight used for rating.
How the Calculation Works
Gross Weight Compared with Volumetric Weight
Metric and Imperial Units
Enter dimensions in centimetres, millimetres or inches and package weights in kilograms or pounds.
Indicative Chargeable Weight
The calculator totals the shipment and identifies whether gross or volumetric weight forms the chargeable basis.
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Air Freight Planning Guidance
What Is Air Freight Chargeable Weight?
Air freight chargeable weight is the weight used by an airline or freight forwarder to calculate the transport rate. It is normally the greater of the shipment’s actual gross weight and its calculated volumetric weight.
Gross weight is the physical weight of the packed shipment, including boxes, cartons, crates, pallets and packaging materials. Volumetric weight converts the shipment dimensions into an equivalent weight to reflect the aircraft space occupied.
For dimensions entered in centimetres, volumetric weight is calculated by multiplying length, width and height, then multiplying by the number of pieces and dividing by the selected volumetric divisor.
A shipment can therefore be charged by volume even when it is physically light. Large lightweight cartons often produce a volumetric weight above the actual gross weight, while dense machinery or components are more commonly charged by gross weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chargeable Weight Calculator FAQs
How is air freight chargeable weight calculated?
Chargeable weight is normally the greater of the shipment’s total gross weight and total volumetric weight. The calculator compares both and identifies the indicative chargeable basis.
What is volumetric weight?
Volumetric weight is an equivalent weight calculated from the space occupied by the shipment. It allows an airline to account for large lightweight cargo that uses significant aircraft capacity.
Should I use a divisor of 6000 or 5000?
A divisor of 6000 cm³/kg is commonly used for general air freight, while some airlines, tariffs and express services use 5000 cm³/kg. Use the divisor specified for the service being quoted.
Does gross weight include packaging and pallets?
Yes. Gross weight should include the goods and all packing materials, including cartons, crates, cushioning, wrapping and the pallet where applicable.
Can I enter different package sizes?
Yes. Add a separate package line for every size or weight group. The calculator totals all pieces, gross weight, volume and volumetric weight into one shipment result.
How should I enter a palletised shipment?
Enter the complete loaded pallet as one piece using its overall external length, width and height, together with the total gross weight including the pallet.
Are dimensions rounded by airlines?
Airline and handling rules vary. Some operators round individual dimensions, weights or the final chargeable weight. This calculator provides an indicative result before carrier-specific rounding.
Is this calculator suitable for courier parcels?
It is designed primarily for commercial air freight. Express parcel carriers may use different divisors, minimums and rating rules, so their published tariff should be checked separately.
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