Calculate Chargeable Weight
in 15 seconds
Free chargeable weight calculation for all transport modes. Precise weight determination based on volume and gross weight.
Chargeable Weight Determination
Volume Weight
Volume weight is calculated as: (Length × Width × Height) × Factor / 1,000,000
Chargeable Weight
The chargeable weight is the higher value between actual weight and volume weight.
💡 Tipp: Das höhere Gewicht wird für die Kostenberechnung verwendet
Ergebnisse
Geben Sie alle Werte ein, um das Taxgewicht zu berechnen
Chargeable Weight Calculator – IATA Rules for Air Freight Explained
Chargeable weight (also called volumetric weight or taxable weight) is the billing-relevant weight in air freight. It applies when the volume of a shipment is large relative to its actual weight. The IATA standard formula is: Volumetric weight = (Length cm × Width cm × Height cm) / 6,000.
The higher of the two weights is always charged: actual weight or volumetric weight. This ensures that light, bulky goods do not occupy cargo space disproportionately cheaply.
Chargeable Weight Formulas by Transport Mode
| Transportweg | Divisor |
|---|---|
| Air freight (IATA) | 6,000 |
| Express services (DHL/FedEx/UPS) | 5,000 |
| Sea freight (LCL) | 1,000 kg/m³ |
| Road transport | Loading meter (LDM) |
Practical Chargeable Weight Examples
Factor 3.6× – volumetric weight dominates
Weight dominates – no surcharge
Factor 1.33× – optimize packaging
Volumetric < actual weight → actual weight applies
Packaging Optimization – Reduce Chargeable Weight
Choose compact packaging
Oversized boxes increase chargeable weight. Packaging should fit closely to the dimensions of the goods. Minimize bubble wrap and filler material.
Consolidate multiple packages
Individual small packages often have a worse volume/weight ratio than consolidated shipments. One larger box may be cheaper than 5 small packages.
Minimize height
Chargeable weight grows linearly with height. Flatter shipments save disproportionately – especially for textiles, documents, and flat electronics.
Consider sea freight
For goods with high volume/weight ratio (lots of air in the shipment), LCL sea freight is significantly cheaper than air freight – longer transit but a fraction of the cost.
FAQ
What is the difference between gross weight and chargeable weight?▼
Gross weight is the actual physical weight of the shipment including packaging. Chargeable weight (volumetric weight) is a calculated weight based on volume. The higher of the two values is always billed.
Which divisor applies to my air freight shipment?▼
Standard IATA: 6,000. DHL Express, FedEx, UPS often use 5,000. Air cargo via freight forwarders generally uses 6,000. Always confirm the divisor with your forwarder.
Does chargeable weight apply to sea freight?▼
LCL sea freight has a similar concept: billing is W/M (weight or measurement). 1 CBM equals 1,000 kg in billing. FCL (full container) has no volumetric weight – container weight applies.
How can I reduce chargeable weight?▼
Choose more compact packaging, consolidate shipments, minimize height. For regular shipments, professional packaging optimization pays off – 10% less volume can bring significant savings.
What is "Chargeable Weight" on the AWB?▼
The Air Waybill (AWB) shows chargeable weight – always the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight. The freight rate is calculated based on this weight.