Volumetric Weight CalculatorChargeable Freight Weight
Calculate actual and volumetric (dimensional) weight for timber freight and find which one you will be charged on. Compare air, sea, road and courier modes to avoid surprise freight costs.
Why this calculation matters
Chargeable weight is what the carrier bills, and it is whichever is greater of actual and volumetric. It decides the freight line on your costing.
Volumetric Weight Calculator
Actual vs Volumetric Weight Checker
Sets air-dry density.
Auto-set by species; adjust for MC.
Carrier's volumetric divisor. Auto-set by mode.
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About Volumetric Weight Calculator
Carriers charge freight on the greater of actual weight and volumetric (dimensional) weight - whichever costs them more space or capacity. For timber this matters because dense hardwood is usually charged on actual weight, while bulky light packs may be charged on volume. This tool computes both and tells you which governs, so there are no surprises on the freight invoice. It applies the standard volumetric weight formula and shows the chargeable weight calculation exactly as the freight line will bill it.
Where Is This Used?
Formulas & Factors
Actual weight = Volume (m3) x Density (kg/m3)Volumetric weight = Volume (m3) x Dimensional factorChargeable weight = max(Actual, Volumetric)Typical dim factors: Air ~167, Road ~333, Sea ~1000 kg/m3(Air uses 1m3 = 167kg; i.e. 6000 cm3 per kg)How the calculation works
Carriers charge for whichever costs them more: the weight of the shipment or the space it occupies. Bulky kiln-dried timber is usually billed on space, dense green timber on weight.
Show the formula
Volume converts to cubic metres (1 CFT = 0.0283168, 1 board foot = 0.00235974). Actual weight = volume x density. Volumetric weight = volume x the carrier divisor. Chargeable weight = the greater of the two.Divisors vary by carrier and service. Rounding rules, minimum chargeable weights and surcharges are not included.
References and what each one provides
- IATA dimensional weight factorsInternational Air Transport Association, and standard LCL sea-freight practiceVolumetric divisors: 1:6000 for air, typically 1:1000 for sea LCL.
- ISO 668International Organization for StandardizationFreight container classification, external and internal dimensions, and rated payload.
Unverified values are marked as such rather than presented as sourced.
Limitations of this calculation
Compares actual and volumetric weight using the divisor entered. It does not account for carrier-specific rounding rules, surcharges, minimum chargeable weights, or packaging added after measurement.
Do not use this for Airway bill or bill of lading declaration. Carriers apply their own rounding and minimum charges.
Figures are engineering estimates from the inputs and assumptions shown. Verify against the actual material and, where the result affects structure or safety, against a qualified professional.
- Chargeable weight = max(actual, volumetric)
- IATA and LCL dimensional-weight factors
Formula checked against the sources above by an automated regression test (tests/verify-phase2.js) that derives each expected value independently of this page. Last reviewed .
How to use this tool
- Enter the trade details below, then press Calculate.
- Pick your shipping mode from the dropdown.
- Fill in volume, density, dimensional factor.
- Press Calculate.
Worked example
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using oven-dry density for shipping. Timber ships at 12–18% moisture, so real weight is higher than the book number.
- Ignoring the dimensional (volumetric) weight. Light, bulky loads are billed by size, not by the scale.
- Mixing units — kg with cubic feet, or pounds with cubic metres. One wrong unit and the whole quote is wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wood species data
Density, hardness and movement for 60 timbers