Air freight pricing often compares the physical weight of a shipment with a volume-based weight. The greater value is commonly used as the chargeable weight, subject to the airline, forwarder and service rules on the quote.
Actual weight
Actual weight is the shipment weight measured on a scale, including the packaging presented for transport.
Volumetric weight
Volumetric weight converts the shipment dimensions into a weight equivalent using a divisor. A commonly encountered metric air-freight structure uses cubic centimetres divided by a stated divisor, but the exact rule should always come from the rate you are using.
The Air Freight Chargeable Weight Calculator lets you enter both the scale weight and package dimensions, then compares the two.
Worked example
Suppose one carton measures 80 × 60 × 50 cm and weighs 30 kg. Its volume is 240,000 cm³. Under a divisor of 6,000, the volumetric weight is 40 kg. Because 40 kg is greater than the 30 kg actual weight, 40 kg would be the chargeable-weight starting point under that rule.
Why small measurement errors matter
Volume multiplies three dimensions. A few centimetres added to length, width and height can materially change the volumetric result, especially across many cartons. Measure the final packed outside dimensions rather than relying on product specifications.
Before quoting
- Confirm the divisor and rounding rule.
- Use final packed dimensions.
- Use the correct number of pieces.
- Include packaging in actual weight.
- Check minimum charges and service-specific rules.
A calculator makes the arithmetic consistent, but the tariff or quote still defines how that arithmetic is applied commercially.