Shipment Inputs
Example Data Table
| Description | Pieces | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Height (cm) | Gross / Piece (kg) | Total Volume (m³) | Gross Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cartons | 10 | 40 | 30 | 25 | 8 | 0.300 | 80 |
| Pallets | 4 | 120 | 80 | 90 | 95 | 3.456 | 380 |
| Crates | 2 | 150 | 60 | 70 | 70 | 1.260 | 140 |
| Total | 16 | Using divisor 6000 | 5.016 | 600 | |||
Example totals produce about 836 kg volumetric weight and a chargeable weight driven by volume under a 6000 divisor.
Formula Used
Volume per piece = Length × Width × Height
Total line volume = Pieces × Volume per piece
Raw shipment volume = Sum of all line volumes
Adjusted volume = Raw volume × (1 + Allowance % ÷ 100)
Volumetric weight (kg) = Total cubic centimeters ÷ Divisor
Chargeable weight = Greater of actual gross weight or volumetric weight
Density = Actual gross weight ÷ Raw shipment volume
When users choose inches, feet, meters, or millimeters, the calculator converts each dimension into centimeters and meters first. That keeps the volume, density, and volumetric weight calculations consistent across all supported unit systems.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the dimension unit and weight unit used by your shipment paperwork.
- Choose the divisor used by your airline, courier, or contract rate.
- Enter any packaging allowance if you want a booking buffer.
- Add one line for each package type, pallet type, or crate group.
- Provide pieces, dimensions, and gross weight per piece.
- Submit the form to show results above the calculator.
- Review raw cube, adjusted cube, density, and chargeable weight.
- Download the result summary as CSV or PDF if needed.
FAQs
1) What does an air freight volume calculator measure?
It measures shipment cube from package dimensions and piece counts. This helps estimate raw volume, adjusted volume, volumetric weight, density, and likely chargeable weight before booking cargo space.
2) Why is volumetric weight important in air cargo?
Airlines often price cargo by whichever is greater: actual gross weight or volumetric weight. Light but bulky shipments can cost more because they consume more aircraft space.
3) What divisor should I use?
Many air freight calculations use a 6000 divisor, while some express services use 5000. Always confirm the divisor shown in your carrier agreement, quote, or tariff rules.
4) Does this calculator support inches and pounds?
Yes. You can enter dimensions in inches or feet and weight in pounds. The tool converts everything internally so the output remains consistent and easy to compare.
5) Should I include pallets and packaging in dimensions?
Yes. Enter the outer dimensions of the packed freight actually tendered for uplift. That includes pallets, skids, wrapping, or crate walls when they affect final shipment size.
6) What is the handling allowance percentage for?
It lets you add a planning buffer to raw cube. This is useful when packaging bulges, labels, strapping, or handling margins may slightly increase the effective booked space.
7) Why does density matter?
Density shows how much real weight sits inside each cubic meter. Low-density freight is more likely to be charged on volume, while dense freight is more likely charged on actual weight.
8) Can I export the result for operations or quoting?
Yes. The calculator includes CSV and PDF export buttons after calculation. These outputs help share booking assumptions, shipment breakdowns, and summary values with teams or clients.