Chargeable Weight Calculator
Enter your packed carton sizes and weight to see what express, air freight and sea freight will bill you for. Carriers charge the higher of actual and volumetric weight, so bulky, light goods are billed on size.
Enter the packed carton dimensions and weight to see what each mode charges for.
How each mode calculates it
| Mode | Volumetric rule | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Express (DHL, FedEx, UPS international) | Length × width × height in cm ÷ 5,000 | Rounded up to the next 0.5 kg |
| Air freight | Length × width × height in cm ÷ 6,000 | The IATA standard: 166.67 kg per cubic metre |
| Sea freight (LCL) | 1 cubic metre counts as 1,000 kg | Charged per revenue tonne, weight or measure, whichever is greater |
Shipping furniture or other light, bulky goods? Volume usually decides the price, so always send dimensions with the weight. See express shipping, air freight and LCL sea freight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chargeable weight?
Chargeable weight is the weight a carrier bills you for: the higher of the actual weight on the scale and the volumetric weight worked out from the carton's size. Light, bulky cartons are billed on volume; small, heavy ones on actual weight.
How do you calculate volumetric weight?
Multiply the packed carton's length, width and height in centimetres, then divide by the carrier's divisor: 5,000 for international express with DHL, FedEx and UPS, and 6,000 for air freight. For sea freight, one cubic metre counts as 1,000 kg.
Why is my courier charging more than the scale weight?
Because the carton's volumetric weight is higher than its actual weight. A 120 × 80 × 100 cm carton weighing 40 kg has a volumetric weight of 192 kg by express and 160 kg by air freight, so that is what is billed.
Is the divisor the same for every carrier?
Not always. DHL, FedEx and UPS use 5,000 for international express, air freight generally uses 6,000, and road freight factors vary by route. Infinity confirms the factor that applies when it quotes your shipment.