How is volumetric weight calculated?

Length × width × height in centimetres divided by 6000 (IATA) or 5000 (express couriers). The greater of actual and volumetric weight is charged.

What is the difference between divisors 6000 and 5000?

6000 is the IATA airline standard (1 m³ = 167 kg); 5000 is the express courier standard (1 m³ = 200 kg) used by DHL, FedEx and UPS.

Volumetric weight calculator for air freight

Q: How can I reduce volumetric weight?

Pack tighter: remove voids, use boxes that fit the cargo, disassemble bulky items — you are charged for the space the package occupies.

Airlines charge for the greater of two weights — actual or volumetric. Enter the dimensions and weight of your pieces: the calculator applies the IATA standard (divisor 6000) and the courier standard (5000) and shows which weight you will pay for.

Dimensions in centimetres, weight in kilograms. Everything runs in your browser — no data is sent anywhere.

Got your chargeable weight — get an air freight quote. The BTRANS team will match a flight and rate to your cargo and route.

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How volumetric weight works

The IATA formula: volumetric weight (kg) = length × width × height (cm) / divisor. Divisor 6000 means one cubic metre equals 167 kg. If the actual weight is higher, you pay actual; if the cargo is light and bulky — you pay volumetric. It protects carriers from "shipping air".

Standard	Divisor	1 m³ =	Used by
IATA (airlines)	6000	167 kg	scheduled air freight, consolidators
Express couriers	5000	200 kg	DHL, FedEx, UPS and most courier networks

Worked example

A 50×40×30 cm box weighing 7 kg: volume = 60,000 cm³. Volumetric weight: 60,000 / 6000 = 10 kg (IATA) or 60,000 / 5000 = 12 kg (courier). Actual 7 kg is lower — you will be charged for 10 or 12 kg respectively.

FAQ

Why does my light cargo cost like heavy?

Because it is bulky: an aircraft is limited by hold volume as much as by payload. A light oversized box occupies space that denser cargo could use — that space is what you pay for.

6000 vs 5000 — what is the difference?

6000 is the IATA standard for scheduled airlines (1 m³ = 167 kg). 5000 is the stricter courier standard (1 m³ = 200 kg) used by DHL, FedEx, UPS and similar networks.

How can I reduce volumetric weight?

Pack tighter: remove voids, use snug boxes, disassemble what can be disassembled. Recalculate the options in the widget above — sometimes new packaging beats paying for air.

Does this apply to road and sea freight?

No — road cargo is rated by volume, pallet spaces and LDM, sea by CBM. Use our cargo volume calculator for those.