Volumetric weight calculator
Compare actual weight with volumetric weight using the air freight 6000 divisor or the sea freight 1000 divisor, and see the chargeable weight.
Formula
Volumetric weight = L (cm) × W (cm) × H (cm) ÷ 6000
Chargeable weight = max(actual weight, volumetric weight)
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Result
Air freight factors vary by carrier and route; some express services use 5000 instead of 6000. Confirm the divisor in your rate sheet before quoting.
How volumetric weight is calculated
Multiply the carton's length, width and height in centimetres to get the cubic-centimetre volume, then divide by the chargeable factor. The result is the volumetric weight in kilograms. Finally, compare that figure with the actual scale weight and use the higher value as the chargeable weight.
For air freight with the 6000 divisor, 1 CBM is treated as about 167 kg. For sea freight with the 1000 divisor, 1 CBM is treated as 1000 kg. Both are indicative and should be checked against the carrier's published rate basis.
Frequently asked questions
What is volumetric weight?
Volumetric weight is the space a shipment occupies converted into a weight equivalent. Carriers use it to charge fairly for light but bulky cargo that fills space without adding much physical weight.
Why does air freight divide by 6000?
The 6000 divisor is a common international air freight standard. It means 1 CBM of space is billed as the equivalent of about 167 kg (1,000,000 ÷ 6000 ≈ 166.67 kg). Some carriers use 5000 for express freight.
When is the sea freight 1000 divisor used?
For ocean freight, volume is usually quoted in CBM rather than volumetric weight. The 1000 divisor is used in some comparisons and by some operators to treat 1 CBM as 1000 kg; check the exact rate basis with your carrier.
How is chargeable weight calculated?
Chargeable weight is the higher of the actual weight and the volumetric weight. For example, a 10 kg parcel with 15 kg volumetric weight would be billed at 15 kg.
Does express courier use a different factor?
Yes. Express and parcel carriers often use a divisor of 5000 instead of 6000, producing a higher volumetric weight for the same carton. Always confirm the divisor in the rate sheet.
Can volumetric weight ever be lower than actual weight?
Yes. Dense cargo has a low volumetric weight relative to its actual weight, so the chargeable weight is simply the actual weight. The carrier always charges the higher of the two.