Volumetric Weight Calculator
Use this volumetric weight calculator to compare actual and dimensional weight for road, air and sea freight. Select the factor used by the service, then confirm the result against the carrier's tariff or quotation.
- No sign-up needed
- Instant results in your browser
- Published UK data
How to use: add a row for each item type, enter length, width and height in centimetres, the actual weight in kilograms and the quantity, then press Calculate. Add or remove rows as needed.
Volumetric weight explained
Carriers charge on whichever is greater: the actual (gross) weight of your shipment, or its volumetric weight, which converts the space it takes up into a billable weight. Light but bulky freight is priced on volume so a carrier does not lose out filling a vehicle or aircraft with low-density goods. Each mode applies a different density ratio, because a lorry, an aircraft and a container ship trade space for weight differently. The tool applies the standard UK and international ratios below and shows the "pay for" weight per mode, with the governing figure flagged.
For road part loads there is a second measure that often matters more than weight: loading metres. A tall, narrow pallet uses little floor but blocks stacking above it, so pallet and groupage carriers frequently price by the load metre. The tool returns the road loading metre figure alongside the chargeable weight so you can quote both when you approach operators for contract haulage or contract logistics.
Methodology and assumptions (July 2026)
Volume is the sum of length x width x height x quantity for every row, in cubic metres. Volumetric weight is that cubic volume multiplied by the mode's density factor. Chargeable weight is the greater of actual and volumetric weight. The ratios are the widely used industry standards:
| Mode | Ratio (vol:weight) | Density factor | Divisor rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road freight | 1 m³ : 333 kg | 333 kg per m³ | cm³ ÷ 3,000 |
| Air freight | 1 m³ : 167 kg | 167 kg per m³ | cm³ ÷ 6,000 |
| Sea LCL | 1 m³ : 1,000 kg | 1,000 kg per m³ | revenue tonne = greater of m³ or tonnes |
The road loading metre (LDM) figure is the total deck floor area (length x width x quantity, in square metres) divided by 2.4, the width in metres of a standard trailer deck. Sea LCL is quoted as a revenue tonne (also called weight or measure, W/M): freight is charged on the greater of the shipment's cubic metres or its weight in tonnes. The air factor reflects the IATA volumetric divisor of 6,000. Road factors vary slightly between carriers (some use 250 or 280 kg per m³); 333 kg per m³ (a 1:3 ratio) is the common European road groupage standard and is used here. These are standard industry conversion factors and individual carriers may apply their own ratios, so treat the output as a strong estimate and confirm the exact basis on your rate card. Sources: IATA volumetric weight standard (6,000 divisor), standard European road groupage conversion (1:3), and standard LCL revenue tonne (W/M) practice.
Frequently asked questions
What is chargeable weight?
Chargeable weight is the figure a carrier bills you on. It is the greater of the shipment's actual weight and its volumetric weight. If your goods are dense, actual weight usually governs; if they are light and bulky, volumetric weight governs.
How do you calculate volumetric weight for road freight?
Multiply the volume in cubic metres by 333, or divide the volume in cubic centimetres by 3,000. This reflects the common European road groupage ratio of 1 cubic metre to 333 kg. The tool does this for you across every item.
Why is air freight volumetric weight higher for the same box?
Air uses a 1:6 ratio (167 kg per cubic metre, divisor 6,000), which is more generous on volume than road, but because aircraft space is at a premium, low-density shipments hit the volumetric figure sooner. The same box can be billed on actual weight by road yet volumetric weight by air.
What is a revenue tonne in sea freight?
For less than container load (LCL) sea freight, cargo is charged per revenue tonne, meaning the greater of its volume in cubic metres or its weight in tonnes (the weight or measure rule). One cubic metre and one tonne are treated as equal units for pricing.
What are loading metres and when do they matter?
A loading metre is one linear metre of a 2.4 m wide trailer deck. Non-stackable or oversized pallets are often priced by loading metre rather than weight, because they block the space above them. For road part loads it is often the deciding cost factor.
Turn your chargeable weight into firm rates
Now you know the weight your freight will be priced on, get it costed properly. Send CTS your dimensions, weights and lanes, and we place the requirement with vetted UK operators who quote against the same numbers. Free, with no obligation.
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