Work out air freight chargeable weight instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
IATA air freight uses a 6000 divisor, equivalent to a break-even density of 167 kg per cubic metre. Anything lighter than that per cubic metre is charged on volume, which covers the great majority of consumer goods shipments.
Air freight chargeable weight
volumetric kg = L x W x H (cm) / 6000; chargeable = max(actual, volumetric)
6000 corresponds to 167 kg/m3, the density at which an aircraft fills by weight and volume simultaneously. Express couriers use 5000 to reflect their tighter vehicle constraints.
Normally up to the next half kilogram, and rate breaks at 45, 100, 300 and 500 kg mean a slightly heavier shipment can sometimes cost less.