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Volumetric Weight

Volumetric Weight Calculator

Compare dimensional weight vs gross weight across air, courier and sea — instantly.

Units
Mode Realtime
Dimensions
Air ÷5000
0.00kg
Courier ÷6000
0.00kg
Sea CBM
0.000m³
Chargeable
0.00kg

Volumetric weight (also called dimensional or DIM weight) is what carriers use when a shipment takes up more space than it weighs. This calculator shows the three divisors that actually appear on quotes — 5000 for general air freight, 6000 for courier networks like DHL, FedEx and UPS, and a true CBM figure for sea LCL. The carrier bills whichever is greater: gross weight or volumetric weight.

How volumetric weight is calculated

The formula is always (L × W × H) ÷ divisor with all dimensions in cm and the result in kg. Use the Shipping Unit Converter first if your cartons are measured in inches or feet.

  • Air freight: L × W × H (cm) ÷ 5000 = kg
  • Courier (DHL / FedEx / UPS): L × W × H (cm) ÷ 6000 = kg
  • Sea LCL: L × W × H (cm) ÷ 1,000,000 = m³ (CBM)

Volumetric vs gross vs chargeable weight

Carriers compare the gross (actual) weight to the volumetric weight and bill the higher number — that is the chargeable weight. A light but bulky shipment (think pillows or empty plastic shells) almost always ships at volumetric weight, while a dense shipment (machinery, books, tiles) ships at gross. To plan a full container instead, use the Single Product Container tool, or the CBM Calculator for mixed shipments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do air and courier use different divisors?+
IATA standardised 6000 cm³/kg for general air cargo in 2017, but most express couriers kept 5000 cm³/kg for the densest networks and applied 6000 to economy products. Always check the rate sheet — a few carriers still use 4000 for premium next-day services.
Does sea freight use volumetric weight?+
Sea LCL bills per CBM or per 1,000 kg, whichever is greater. There is no divisor — CBM is the volume itself in cubic meters.
How do I lower chargeable weight?+
Reduce empty space inside cartons, use right-sized boxes, and consolidate small parcels. Even shaving 2 cm off each side can drop volumetric weight by 10–15%.