# Air freight chargeable weight

Air freight is charged on the chargeable weight: the higher of the actual gross weight and the volumetric weight. At the common 1:6000 ratio, volumetric weight in kg is length × width × height in cm ÷ 6000, so 1 m³ counts as 166.67 kg.

## Key takeaways

- Chargeable weight = max(actual gross weight, volumetric weight).
- At 1:6000, 1 m³ = 166.67 kg; cargo lighter than that per m³ is charged on volume.
- Measure the whole consignment as packed, pallets included.
- Your airline or forwarder may round dimensions and weights; ask how.

## The rule

> **Volumetric weight (kg) = L × W × H (cm) ÷ 6000**   **Chargeable weight = the higher of actual and volumetric weight**

The 1:6000 ratio (6000 cm³ per kg) is the common IATA standard for general air cargo. Some express services use 5000. Your forwarder's quote states which applies.


## Worked example

| Shipment | Actual | Volume | Volumetric (÷ 6000) | Chargeable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 pallets 120 × 80 × 150 cm | 380 kg | 2.88 m³ | 480 kg | 480 kg |
| 10 cartons 50 × 40 × 30 cm | 180 kg | 0.6 m³ | 100 kg | 180 kg |
| Mixed shipment from the CBM guide | 2,280 kg | 10.08 m³ | 1,680 kg | 2,280 kg |


The pallets are light for their size, so they are charged on volume. The cartons are dense, so they are charged on their actual weight.

[Check air chargeable weight](https://cartonmath.com/cbm-calculator/?unit=cm&rows=120x80x150x2x190): The CBM calculator shows air chargeable weight at 1:6000 next to the actual weight.


## Density: the quick test

Divide the actual weight by the volume. If the shipment weighs less than about 167 kg per m³, it will be charged on volume at 1:6000. Pallets, foam, furniture, lampshades and garments on hangers are typical volume cargo; metal parts, liquids and paper are typically weight cargo.


## How to lower chargeable weight

- Use lower pallets or ship floor-loaded cartons if the airline allows; a pallet's deck and any empty space above the cargo count.
- Avoid pyramid stacks: the dimensions are measured at the widest and highest points.
- Use right-sized cartons and less void fill (see [carton dimensions](https://cartonmath.com/guides/export-carton-dimensions/)).
- Consolidate dense and light cargo in the same shipment where it makes sense; the forwarder charges the total.

## FAQ

**What is the volumetric ratio for air freight?**
Commonly 1:6000 (6000 cm³ per kg, or 166.67 kg per m³); some express services use 1:5000.

**How do I calculate chargeable weight?**
Work out the volumetric weight (L × W × H in cm ÷ 6000) and compare it with the actual gross weight; the higher number is charged.

**Do pallets count in air freight weight?**
Yes. The pallet's weight and its dimensions, including height, count.

**What density is charged on actual weight at 1:6000?**
Anything heavier than about 167 kg per cubic metre.

Source page: https://cartonmath.com/guides/air-freight-chargeable-weight/
Updated: 2026-10-06
Publisher: CartonMath (https://cartonmath.com)