Volumetric weight and chargeable weight explained
Volumetric (dimensional) weight = length × width × height in cm ÷ 6,000 for air freight, or ÷ 5,000 for most express couriers. In inches and pounds, divide by 166 (air) or 139 (courier). The carrier charges the chargeable weight, which is the higher of the actual gross weight and the volumetric weight.
Formulas
| Metric (cm → kg) | Imperial (in → lb) | |
|---|---|---|
| Air freight | L × W × H ÷ 6,000 | L × W × H ÷ 166 |
| Express courier | L × W × H ÷ 5,000 | L × W × H ÷ 139 |
Example
A carton of 60 × 40 × 40 cm weighing 8 kg:
- Air: 60 × 40 × 40 ÷ 6,000 = 16 kg volumetric → chargeable weight 16 kg.
- Courier: 60 × 40 × 40 ÷ 5,000 = 19.2 kg volumetric → chargeable weight 19.2 kg.
The same carton weighing 25 kg would be charged on its actual 25 kg for both.
How to lower chargeable weight
- Use the smallest carton that protects the product; empty space is charged as if it were cargo.
- Consolidate small cartons onto fewer, fuller pallets.
- For bulky, light cargo, compare with sea freight, where 1 CBM counts as 1,000 kg rather than 167 kg.
Try it with your own dimensions in the CBM calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the volumetric weight formula?
Length × width × height in cm divided by 6,000 for air freight, or by 5,000 for express courier.
Why do DHL, FedEx and UPS use 5000?
Express networks carry many light parcels, so they use a stricter divisor. Some contracts use 6,000 or other values.
What is chargeable weight?
The weight the carrier bills: the higher of actual gross weight and volumetric weight.