Free Freight Volume Calculator by Weight: CBM & Volumetric Weight
Freight Volume Calculator by Weight
Use this free freight volume calculator by weight to calculate shipment
volume, CBM, volumetric weight, actual shipment weight and estimated
chargeable weight.
For freight purposes, weight and volume are not the same thing. A shipment
can be physically light but occupy a large amount of space. Carriers may
therefore compare actual weight with volumetric, or dimensional, weight when
determining chargeable weight.
Freight Volume and Volumetric Weight Calculator
How Do I Calculate the Volume of a Shipment?
Shipment volume is calculated by multiplying the length, width and height
of each package. If you have several identical pieces, multiply the result
by the number of pieces.
Length × Width × Height
For example, a carton measuring 100 cm × 80 cm × 60 cm has a physical
volume of 480,000 cubic centimetres.
To convert cubic centimetres to cubic metres, divide by 1,000,000.
How Do I Calculate CBM for Shipping?
CBM means cubic metres and is commonly used to express cargo volume in
international freight.
CBM = Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 1,000,000
If there are 10 identical cartons, calculate the CBM of one carton and
multiply the result by 10.
How to Calculate Cargo Volume Weight
Cargo volume weight, also called volumetric weight or dimensional weight,
converts the amount of space occupied by a shipment into an equivalent
billing weight.
Volumetric weight (kg) =
Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ volumetric divisor
The divisor depends on the carrier, freight mode and service. The
calculator above allows you to select 6000, 5000 or enter a custom divisor.
Why Divide by 6000 for Volumetric Weight?
A divisor such as 6000 converts a package’s cubic-centimetre volume into
an equivalent weight in kilograms for services that use that dimensional
factor.
120,000 ÷ 6000 = 20 kg volumetric weight
The divisor of 6000 is not universal. Some carriers and services use 5000
or another dimensional factor. Check the rules for the particular carrier
or freight service before relying on the result for a quotation.
What Is the Difference Between Actual Weight and Volumetric Weight?
| Measurement | What it represents |
|---|---|
| Actual weight | The physical weight of the shipment measured on a scale. |
| Volumetric weight | A calculated weight based on the amount of space occupied by the shipment. |
| Chargeable weight |
Often the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight, subject to the carrier’s rules. |
How to Calculate Shipping Based on Weight
Freight companies may compare a shipment’s actual weight against its
volumetric weight. When volumetric pricing applies, the greater figure may
become the chargeable weight.
Volumetric shipment weight = 110 kg
Estimated chargeable weight = 110 kg
Final freight rates can also depend on origin, destination, freight mode,
service level, commodity, minimum charges, surcharges and other conditions.
How Will the Total Weight of the Shipment Be Calculated?
For identical packages, total actual weight can be calculated as:
Actual weight per piece × number of pieces = total actual weight
If one carton weighs 25 kg and the shipment contains 12 cartons:
How Do I Calculate the Cubic Inches of a Shipment for Shipping?
When package dimensions are measured in inches, multiply the length,
width and height.
Cubic inches = Length × Width × Height
For several identical cartons, multiply the cubic inches of one carton by
the total number of cartons. The calculator above also displays total
cubic inches automatically.
How to Calculate Volume by Weight
Physical volume cannot normally be calculated from weight alone unless the
density of the material is known.
In freight terminology, however, people sometimes use the phrase
“volume by weight” when referring to volumetric weight.
Volumetric weight is calculated from shipment dimensions rather than from
actual scale weight.
Volumetric Weight Formula in KG
When dimensions are entered in centimetres, a typical formula is:
Length × Width × Height ÷ divisor = volumetric weight in kg
For a divisor of 6000:
Using a divisor of 5000 with the same package:
Volume Weight Calculator for Air Freight
Air freight is sensitive to both weight and space because aircraft
capacity is limited by both factors. Volumetric weight provides a way of
comparing dense cargo with lightweight cargo that occupies considerably
more space.
Use the calculator above to enter shipment dimensions, quantity and actual
weight. Select the dimensional divisor required by your carrier or freight
service.
Freight Volume Calculator by Weight – Metric
For metric freight calculations, enter the shipment’s length, width and
height in centimetres, actual weight in kilograms and number of identical
pieces.
The calculator converts the dimensions into cubic metres and displays CBM,
volumetric weight, actual weight, estimated chargeable weight, cubic feet,
cubic inches and shipment density.
Freight Volume Calculator by Weight in Excel
You can also perform the same freight volume calculation in Excel.
If A2 contains length in centimetres, B2 contains width, C2 contains
height and D2 contains quantity, CBM can be calculated with:
For volumetric weight using a divisor of 6000:
If your carrier uses another divisor, replace 6000 with the dimensional
factor specified for that freight service.
Free Freight Volume Calculator by Weight
This freight volume calculator is free to use and performs the calculations
instantly in your browser.
Use the result as a planning figure and confirm the final volumetric factor,
rounding rules and chargeable weight with the carrier, freight forwarder or
shipping service handling the shipment.
