Air Freight Cost Calculator — Chargeable Weight & Total Cost

Calculate air freight chargeable weight and total cost. Air cargo uses a volumetric factor of 167 kg/m³ (6,000 cm³/kg) — your billable weight is whichever is higher.

Quick answer: Air freight volumetric factor: 1 CBM = 167 kg chargeable. If your cargo is lighter, volumetric weight applies. Standard rates: $3–$8/kg for general cargo; $5–$15/kg for express.

✈️ Air Freight Cost Calculator

Length (cm)

Width (cm)

Height (cm)

Number of Pieces

Actual Weight (kg)

Freight Rate ($/kg)

Fuel Surcharge (%)

Total Air Freight Cost

—

Volumetric Weight

—

Chargeable Weight

—

How to Use This Calculator

Enter carton dimensions — length, width and height in centimetres.
Enter actual weight — total gross weight in kg.
Enter your rate per kg — from your air freight quote. Rates vary by origin, destination and commodity.
Add fuel surcharge — air FSC typically runs 30–45% of base freight on most lanes.

Worked Example

5 pieces, each 80×60×50 cm, actual 40 kg each. Rate $5.20/kg, 35% FSC.

Vol weight per piece: 80×60×50 ÷ 6,000 = 40 kg
Total actual: 5 × 40 = 200 kg
Total vol weight: 5 × 40 = 200 kg (equal — borderline cargo)
Freight: 200 × $5.20 = $1,040
FSC: $1,040 × 35% = $364
Total: $1,404

Frequently Asked Questions

IATA standard volumetric factor is 6,000 cm³ per kg (or 366 cubic inches per pound). This means 1 cubic metre of space = 166.67 kg of chargeable weight. Some express couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) use 5,000 cm³/kg for express shipments.

Air freight is rarely cheaper per kg, but the total cost comparison should include: ocean transit time (21–35 days) vs air (1–5 days), inventory carrying cost during transit, insurance, and the ability to respond to demand spikes. For high-value, time-sensitive goods, air often wins on total delivered cost.