Work out volumetric weight and estimated chargeable weight for air cargo from piece count, dimensions and actual weight — a planning figure, not a booked rate.
FTE plans air freight using 6000 as a default dimensional factor. Airlines, forwarders and individual contracts sometimes apply 5000 or another figure — check the factor that applies to your booking and adjust it here if it differs.
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Chargeable weight is the greater of a shipment's actual gross weight and its volumetric (dimensional) weight. To find the volumetric weight, take length × width × height in centimetres for each piece type and multiply by the number of pieces, then add those volumes together across every piece type. Divide that combined volume by the dimensional factor once, and compare the result with the total actual weight. Adding the volumes before dividing — rather than working out and rounding each piece type separately — is what stops the total drifting upward.
6000 is the dimensional factor FTE uses as a default for air freight planning — it is not a universal industry constant. Airlines, general sales agents and individual contracts can specify 5000, 6000 or another factor, and the figure applied at tender determines the real chargeable weight. Confirm the applicable factor with FTE operations or your airline before booking.
This calculator rounds the estimated chargeable weight up to the nearest half kilogram, which is a common airline convention; the volumetric weight shown alongside it is rounded the same way. Carriers vary: some round to the nearest whole kilogram, some apply rounding per piece rather than per shipment, and imperial rate scales round to the pound. Your airline's final billed weight can therefore differ slightly from the figure shown here — confirm the rule that applies to your booking with FTE operations.
A carton measuring 60 cm × 50 cm × 40 cm has an actual weight of 10 kg. Its volume is 120,000 cm³; divided by a dimensional factor of 6000, that gives a volumetric weight of 20 kg. Because the volumetric weight (20 kg) is higher than the actual weight (10 kg), the shipment is volume-based and its estimated chargeable weight is 20 kg — even though the carton is comparatively light.
Chargeable weight is the weight an airline uses to calculate freight charges. It is the greater of a shipment's actual gross weight and its volumetric (dimensional) weight, so a large but light shipment can be billed on volume rather than actual weight.
Volumetric weight represents the space a shipment occupies on an aircraft, not how heavy it is. Bulky, low-density cargo — packaging with a lot of empty or insulated space, for example — can take up more room than its actual weight suggests, so its volumetric weight exceeds its actual weight and the airline charges for the space instead.
This calculator defaults to 6000 (cm³ per kg), which is FTE's planning default for air freight — it is not a fixed industry standard. Airlines, general sales agents and individual contracts can apply a different factor, commonly 5000 for some services. Confirm the factor that applies to your booking with FTE operations or your airline before relying on the result.
Group cartons by piece type — same dimensions — and work out the volume of each group (length × width × height × quantity). Add those volumes together first, then divide the combined volume by the dimensional factor once. Compare that figure with the shipment's total actual weight; the greater of the two is the estimated chargeable weight. Do not round each group before adding: this calculator rounds once at the end, and rounding per group would give a slightly higher total.
Yes, within limits. Chargeable weight tracks the outer dimensions of a piece, so trimming excess void space, using a closer-fitting carton, or consolidating several small boxes into one can lower volumetric weight. Packaging still has to protect the product and meet the carrier's perishable packaging requirements, so any reduction should not come at the cost of product protection.
Planning guidance
These results support shipment planning and are not a guarantee of airline acceptance, customs clearance, or product condition. Carrier, origin, destination and regulatory requirements differ — confirm final requirements with FTE operations before tender.
Last reviewed: August 13, 2026
Send FTE the piece count, dimensions and weight and the LAX operations team will confirm booking, handling and any carrier-specific dimensional factor.