Volumetric (Dimensional) Weight Calculator

How to use the calculator

Choose the transport mode, then enter the length, width and height of each package in centimetres along with its gross weight. Add a line for every package size in your shipment. The calculator shows the total volume, the volumetric weight and the chargeable weight, which is the figure your freight is priced on.

Carriers charge the greater of actual and volumetric weight. The tool uses common industry divisors: air 6,000 cm³ per kg (used by most airlines), courier express usually 5,000, road 3,000; ocean LCL is billed per CBM or per 1,000 kg, whichever is greater (weight or measure, W/M). Individual carriers can use different divisors or minimum charges, so treat the result as a planning figure and confirm it with your quote.

Worked example

You are shipping 3 cartons, each 60 × 40 × 50 cm and weighing 18 kg.

• Volume per carton: 60 × 40 × 50 = 120,000 cm³. Total: 360,000 cm³ (0.36 CBM)
• Gross weight: 3 × 18 = 54 kg
• Air: 360,000 ÷ 6,000 = 60 kg volumetric. 60 kg is more than 54 kg, so you pay for 60 kg
• Courier: 360,000 ÷ 5,000 = 72 kg volumetric, so you pay for 72 kg
• Sea LCL: 0.36 CBM against 0.054 tonnes, so the shipment is billed on 0.36 CBM (before any minimum charge)

When chargeable weight matters

Volumetric weight matters most for light, bulky cargo such as textiles, furniture, foam products and packaged retail goods. Dense cargo such as metal parts or tiles is usually charged on actual weight.

You can often reduce your cost by asking your supplier to cut empty space in cartons, avoid oversized boxes and stack cartons on pallets efficiently. For larger volumes, compare air with sea freight through Aqaba. Send us your dimensions and our team in Amman will tell you which option fits your shipment.