Air freight planning
Estimate the weight basis before an air-freight enquiry.
Freight & volume calculator
Volumetric Weight Calculator
Calculate volumetric weight and compare it with actual weight to estimate your shipment's chargeable weight.
- Free to use
- No sign-up required
- Actual vs volumetric weight
Enter package details
Compare actual and volumetric weight in one package type.
Lower divisor → higher volumetric weight. Carrier rounding rules may vary.
Your weight comparison
Chargeable weight updates from your inputs.
Chargeable weight120 kg
Billing basis: Volumetric weight
Volumetric / package
12 kgActual / package
8 kgQuantity · divisor
10 · 5000Your shipment takes up more space relative to its actual mass, so volumetric weight is higher.
Weight difference: 40 kg (50.0%). This is a planning estimate, not a live freight quote.
Different carriers, services, countries and contracts can use different divisors and rounding rules.
How to use
Compare shipment weights in four steps.
Use one package type to understand the relationship between dimensions, weight and billing.
- 1
Enter package dimensions
Add length, width and height.
- 2
Add actual weight and quantity
Enter the real package weight and number of packages.
- 3
Choose a divisor
Use a common preset or your carrier-specific divisor.
- 4
Review chargeable weight
Compare both weights and the estimated billing basis.
Use cases
What this calculator helps with.
Use a clear weight comparison before requesting freight or changing packaging.
Express shipping
Compare parcel dimensions with actual package weight.
Packaging optimisation
Reducing carton dimensions may reduce volumetric weight.
Supplier carton review
Check whether package sizing creates a large volume penalty.
Transparent methodology
Formula & assumptions.
Dimensions, divisor and rounding are visible so you can compare planning scenarios.
Calculation formula
Metric: Length(cm) × Width(cm) × Height(cm) ÷ Divisor = volumetric weight (kg)
Imperial: Length(in) × Width(in) × Height(in) ÷ Divisor = volumetric weight (lb)
Key assumptions
- 5000 and 6000 are common metric divisors; 139 is a common imperial divisor.
- Custom divisors can be entered from your carrier or forwarder.
- Chargeable weight is the greater weight after the selected rounding rule.
- Carrier rules vary; this is a planning estimate, not a live freight quote.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers before you ship.
Understand how actual and volumetric weight compare before requesting a quote.
What is volumetric weight?⌄
Volumetric weight estimates the space a package occupies relative to its mass.
How is volumetric weight calculated?⌄
Multiply length, width and height, then divide by the divisor supplied by your carrier or service.
What is chargeable weight?⌄
It is the greater of actual and volumetric weight after the selected rounding rule.
What divisor should I use?⌄
5000 and 6000 are common metric examples; 139 is a common imperial example. Confirm your carrier's rule.
Why is volumetric weight higher?⌄
Large, light packaging can occupy more transport space relative to its actual mass.
Do all carriers use the same divisor?⌄
No. Divisors and rounding rules can vary by carrier, service, country and contract.
How does rounding affect chargeable weight?⌄
Rounding can raise the comparison weights before the estimated billing basis is selected.
Is this a live freight quote?⌄
No. This calculator provides a planning estimate from the values and rules you select.
Plan with clarity
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