feathers and bricks on opposite ends of a scale with the words volume versus weight

Chargeable Weight Explained: How Carriers Calculate Shipping Costs

Chargeable Weight: Actual Weight vs. Dimensional Weight

One of the most common questions from shippers is: Why am I charged for a higher weight than the scale shows? This is because carriers calculate chargeable weight based on either the actual or dimensional (volume) weight — whichever is higher.

What Determines Chargeable Weight?

Carriers use the highest of three measurements:

Actual Weight: The weight measured on a scale
Dimensional (Volumetric) Weight: Based on package size
Declared Weight: The weight entered by the shipper

What is Dimensional (Volume) Weight?

Dimensional weight considers how much space a shipment occupies relative to its actual mass. A large but light package can cost as much (or more) to transport than a smaller, heavier one.

Example of Dimensional Weight

Low Density Cargo

“Low density cargo” refers to large, lightweight shipments. These are billed at dimensional weight rather than scale weight because they consume significant cargo space.

How to Calculate Chargeable Weight

Most carriers use this formula for air shipments:

Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 5000 = Dimensional Weight (kg)

Example Calculation

Box weighs 5 kg
Dimensions: 50 × 40 × 35 cm
Volume = 70,000 cm³
70,000 ÷ 5000 = 14 kg
Chargeable weight = 14 kg (not 5 kg)

Chargeable Weight Example

Declared Weight Matters Too

If a shipper mistakenly declares 10 kg instead of 1 kg, the carrier will bill 10 kg. Carriers rarely issue credits for over-declared shipments. Always measure and weigh accurately.

Declared vs Chargeable Weight

Always round up dimensions (to the nearest cm or inch)
Check carrier-specific dimensional weight formulas
Avoid over-declaring to prevent unnecessary charges

Chargeable Weight for Freight Shipments

For heavy freight, chargeable weight is calculated using Cubic Meters (CBM) for sea and air cargo. Learn more in our related guide: Air Freight Volume Weight and CBM.

Trucking and classification

Trucking has a unique freight classification system based on density. Read more about trucking, LTL and freight classification.

Dimensional (Volume) Weight Calculator

Note on Chargeable Weight via Jetship air. Dimensional / volume weight applies if greater than actual (scale) weight.
Formula: Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 5000 = Dimensional Weight (kg).