Chargeable Weight Calculator

Compare actual shipment weight with volumetric weight using the charging profile and divisor that apply to your shipment. Enter packed dimensions, quantities and weights, then check the calculated chargeable basis. This is not a carrier quotation or a universal tariff rule.

Actual, volumetric and chargeable weight

Actual weight is the measured shipment mass. Volumetric weight converts the packed outside volume into a weight equivalent using an agreed divisor. Where a service charges the higher of the two, chargeable weight is the greater value. Minimum charges, per-piece rounding and other carrier conditions may change the amount finally invoiced.

For dimensions in centimetres and a divisor expressed in cm3/kg:

Volumetric weight (kg) = length x width x height x quantity / divisor.

Do not enter a divisor without checking its units. A divisor used with centimetres is not directly interchangeable with a divisor used with inches.

Worked air-cargo example

Assume two handling units each measure 120 x 80 x 100 cm and weigh 150 kg. Their combined volume is 1.92 m3 and actual weight is 300 kg. With an example divisor of 6,000 cm3/kg, volumetric weight is 1,920,000 / 6,000 = 320 kg. Under a higher-of-actual-or-volumetric rule, the calculated basis is 320 kg.

If the applicable contract instead uses 5,000 cm3/kg, the same volume gives 384 kg. Neither divisor is a promise that every carrier or route uses that rule. Confirm the service, divisor, rounding and minimum charge with your provider.

Road and sea profiles need their own terms

There is no single road-freight divisor that this page can safely apply to every shipment. Supply the factor stated in your agreement. Loading metres, pallet positions and non-stackable space may be billed under different rules that a simple volumetric comparison does not replace.

An ocean LCL weight/measurement comparison may use a contract such as one revenue tonne per cubic metre or per metric tonne, whichever is greater. That is a charging-unit comparison, not a measurement of physical cargo mass. Check the actual W/M convention and tariff; do not use the displayed weight equivalent as cargo weight for vehicle loading.

From chargeable basis to a cost estimate

Use your reviewed charging basis and quoted tariff in the Freight Cost Calculator. To calculate mass per occupied volume instead, use the Freight Density Calculator. The CBM Calculator provides a separate shipment-volume workflow.

For physical cargo fit, use the Container Loading Calculator & 3D Load Planner. Billing weight does not prove that cartons fit, can stack or pass through the door.

Common questions

Planning estimate only; no carrier booking, live tariff or transport approval is supplied. Review your provider’s current terms. Explore all CBM3 tools.