1. What is Volumetric Weight?

Volumetric weight (also known as dimensional weight) is a pricing technique used in air cargo and freight shipping that considers both the actual weight and the volume of a package to determine shipping costs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard air cargo volumetric weight formula:

Where:

• \( Length \) — Package length in meters
• \( Width \) — Package width in meters
• \( Height \) — Package height in meters
• \( 167 \) — Standard air cargo conversion factor (kg/m³)

Explanation: The formula calculates the volume of the package and converts it to an equivalent weight using the air cargo industry standard conversion factor of 167 kg per cubic meter.

3. Importance of Volumetric Weight Calculation

Details: Airlines charge based on whichever is greater - the actual weight or the volumetric weight. This ensures fair pricing for lightweight but bulky items that occupy significant cargo space.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter package dimensions in meters. Ensure accurate measurements as even small errors can significantly affect the volumetric weight calculation. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 167 used as the conversion factor?
A: 167 kg/m³ is the industry standard for air cargo, representing the density at which volumetric weight equals actual weight.

Q2: How do I convert from centimeters to meters?
A: Divide centimeter measurements by 100 to get meters (e.g., 50 cm = 0.5 m).

Q3: What if my package is irregularly shaped?
A: Use the smallest rectangular box that can contain your item (length × width × height of the bounding box).

Q4: Do all airlines use the same conversion factor?
A: Most use 167 kg/m³, but some carriers may use slightly different factors. Always check with your specific carrier.

Q5: How is volumetric weight used in shipping costs?
A: The carrier will charge based on the greater of: actual weight or volumetric weight. This is called the chargeable weight.