Volumetric Weight Calculator
Air freight volumetric weight using the 6,000 divisor (1 CBM ≈ 167 kg).
DIM / volumetric
400.00kg
Actual
420.00kg
Chargeable
420.00kg
Actual weight governs billing. Your cargo weighs 420.00 kg, which exceeds the dimensional weight of 400.00 kg.
Standard industry convention
Rule: Air Freight Volumetric (6,000 cm³/kg)
Effective from: 2000-01-01
Last verified: 2026-08-01 · IATA Resolution 502 / Air cargo industry convention
How it was calculated
42 kg × 10420.000 kg1 item type(s)2.4000 m³2400000 cm³ ÷ 6000400.000 kgmax(actual, DIM) = max(420.00, 400.00)420.00 kgNext calculation
Dimensional Weight Calculator
Calculate DIM weight from a versioned divisor — not one global UPS number.
Chargeable Weight Calculator
The higher of actual and DIM weight — the figure carriers bill.
CBM Calculator
Calculate cubic meters (CBM) from carton dimensions and quantity.
Actual vs DIM Weight
Side-by-side actual and DIM weight, with a clear who-governs result.
How it works
Air freight uses a different divisor (6,000) from general freight (5,000). Enter your dimensions and actual weight to see which governs your air shipment.
Formula
Worked example
80×60×50 cm × 10 cartons = 2,400,000 cm³ ÷ 6,000 = 400 kg. Actual 420 kg. Chargeable: 420 kg (actual).
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between volumetric and dimensional weight?
Both describe the same concept (pricing based on package volume), but use different divisors. Volumetric weight typically refers to the air freight convention (6,000 or 1 CBM = 167 kg), while DIM weight is a broader term that includes other divisors.
Why does air freight use 6,000 instead of 5,000?
Air cargo has limited space but high capacity for weight. The 6,000 divisor means a given volume produces a lower volumetric weight, so heavier cargo is more advantaged on aircraft.