Airlines charge by whichever is greater, actual or volumetric weight. Here is how to work it out.
A box of pillows and a box of bolts can weigh the same on the scale but cost very different amounts to fly. The reason is chargeable weight.
Actual vs volumetric
Airlines charge by whichever is greater: the real weight, or the volumetric weight that reflects how much space the cargo takes. Light but bulky cargo is charged on its volume.
The formula
- Air freight volumetric weight: length x width x height in cm, divided by 6000.
- Courier volumetric weight: the same, divided by 5000.
- Compare against actual weight; the higher number is what you pay.
Try the calculator
Our playground has a free chargeable weight calculator. Enter your dimensions and weight and it tells you which number applies in seconds.
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