Air Freight Dimensional Weight Calculator — IATA Volumetric Weight
Calculate air freight chargeable weight using the IATA dimensional weight formula. Compare volumetric weight to actual weight to find the billable basis for your air cargo.
Quick answer: Air freight DIM = L × W × H (cm) ÷ 6,000 (IATA standard). Chargeable weight = whichever is greater: actual or volumetric. Some carriers use 5,000 divisor — check your airline's tariff.
✈️ Air Freight Dimensional Weight Calculator
Chargeable Weight
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Volumetric/Piece
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Billed On
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How to Use This Calculator
- Measure outer package dimensions — round up to the next 0.5 cm or inch.
- Select divisor — IATA standard is 6,000 cm³/kg. Some carriers use 5,000 — check your airline's tariff.
- Chargeable weight — always the higher of actual vs volumetric.
Worked Example
60×40×30 cm, 18 kg actual, 2 pieces, $4.50/kg, 6,000 divisor.
- Volumetric/piece: 60×40×30 ÷ 6,000 = 12 kg
- Total actual: 18 × 2 = 36 kg
- Chargeable: 36 kg (actual > volumetric)
- Freight: $162
Frequently Asked Questions
Volume in cm³ ÷ 6,000 = dimensional weight in kg. In inches: L×W×H÷366. Aircraft cargo holds are volume-limited, so airlines bill by whichever takes more space or weighs more.
Right-size packaging to eliminate void space. Use compressed packing for low-density items. Even small dimension reductions compound significantly over volume.