ShipReady tool
Chargeable Weight Calculator for Air Freight and Courier Shipments
Compare total gross weight with volumetric weight using air freight, courier, or custom divisors.
When chargeable weight matters
- Air freight and courier shippers comparing billing weight
- Small businesses checking whether cargo is dense or bulky
- Forwarder quote request preparation
- Operations teams reviewing gross and volumetric weight
Enter cargo measurements and weight to estimate chargeable weight.
Gross weight
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Volumetric weight
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Chargeable weight
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Package row 1
Gross weight, volumetric weight and divisors
Volumetric Weight = (Length x Width x Height in cm x Number of Packages) / Divisor.
Chargeable Weight = Greater of Gross Weight or Volumetric Weight.
Common defaults: air freight divisor 6000, courier divisor 5000, or a custom carrier divisor.
Chargeable weight billing example
25 cartons measuring 60 x 40 x 40 cm with an air freight divisor of 6000 have a volumetric weight of 400 kg. If total gross weight is 450 kg, the chargeable weight estimate is 450 kg because gross weight is greater.
Air and courier billing mistakes to avoid
- Assuming every carrier uses the same divisor
- Entering net weight instead of gross packed weight
- Using inches or metres without converting to centimetres
- Treating the estimate as the carrier’s final billing weight
FAQ
What is chargeable weight?
Chargeable weight is usually the greater of actual gross weight and volumetric weight. It is commonly used for air freight and courier pricing.
Which divisor should I use?
Air freight commonly uses 6000 and courier commonly uses 5000, but carrier rules vary. Confirm the divisor before quoting or booking.
Does sea freight use chargeable weight?
Sea freight often prices by CBM, container, weight, or minimum charges depending on service type. The calculator is most useful for air and courier shipments.