Chargeable Weight Calculator
Compare actual and dimensional weight to estimate the weight your carrier will bill.
Shipment details
Enter the actual weight and dimensions of your cargo.
Use your carrier's divisor — it varies by service. 5000 for express, 6000 for standard air freight.
Chargeable Weight Results
Carriers bill by the greater of actual and dimensional weight. For this shipment, actual weight prevails — you are paying for weight.
Need a professional report?
Download a signed PDF report with all calculation details, the divisor used, shipment summary, date/time stamp, and a unique reference number — saved to your IMEXLOG account.
Why use the IMEXLOG Chargeable Weight Calculator
Instant, accurate results
Compare actual vs dimensional weight in real time — with any carrier divisor.
Works for air, sea & courier
Handles all major services — 5000, 6000, and custom divisors supported.
Clear, decisive output
See exactly which weight wins and how much the difference costs you in billed weight.
How chargeable weight is calculated
Carriers bill by chargeable weight, which is the greater of actual weight and dimensional (volumetric) weight.
Common divisors
| Service | Divisor (cm³/kg) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Express courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS) | 5000 | Documents, parcels, express freight |
| Standard air freight | 6000 | International air cargo, most carriers |
| Some Asian carriers | 4000 | Regional air cargo |
| Sea freight (LCL) | — | Billed by CBM, not by dimensional weight |
Related trade tools
Frequently asked questions
What is chargeable weight?▾
Chargeable weight is the weight your carrier uses to bill your shipment. It is the greater of two values: the actual gross weight and the dimensional (volumetric) weight. Carriers bill by chargeable weight because cargo takes up space regardless of how heavy it is.
How is dimensional weight calculated?▾
Dimensional weight = (Length × Width × Height in cm × Number of packages) ÷ Dimensional divisor. The divisor is a number set by the carrier and varies by service — commonly 5000 for air freight, 6000 for some air and courier services.
What divisor should I use for air freight?▾
For most international air freight, the standard divisor is 6000 cm³/kg. For express courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS), 5000 cm³/kg is common. For sea freight LCL, weight is usually determined by cubic meters (CBM) rather than a dimensional divisor. Always confirm with your carrier.
Is the Chargeable Weight Calculator free?▾
Yes, the IMEXLOG Chargeable Weight Calculator is completely free with no sign-up required. If you need a professional report with calculation details, divisor assumptions, and reference number, you can optionally purchase one for $4.99.
What is included in the Professional Chargeable Weight Report?▾
The Professional Chargeable Weight Report includes all calculation details, the dimensional divisor used, shipment summary, date and time stamp, and a unique reference number. It is saved to your IMEXLOG account for future reference.
Can I use this calculator for sea freight?▾
The calculator is best suited for air, road, and courier freight, where dimensional weight is calculated using a divisor. For sea freight (especially LCL), the carrier usually charges by CBM rather than chargeable weight. Use the IMEXLOG CBM Calculator for sea freight LCL.
Why is chargeable weight usually higher than actual weight?▾
For light but bulky cargo, the space the cargo occupies is more valuable to the carrier than the weight itself. In those cases, dimensional weight exceeds actual weight and becomes the chargeable weight. For dense, heavy cargo, actual weight usually prevails.
Does the calculator work on mobile?▾
Yes. The IMEXLOG Chargeable Weight Calculator is fully responsive and works on phones, tablets, and desktops. It is also available inside the IMEXLOG mobile app.
Trade Guidelines
Full reference for international trade — Incoterms, documentation, customs, compliance.
IMEXLOG Trade Desk
Source, verify, connect, and move — coordinated by a dedicated specialist.
Continue to freight planning
Use your calculated chargeable weight in an IMEXLOG logistics request — and get a specialist assigned within 24 hours.