Como Calcular Peso Volumetrico Aereo

Calculating peso volumétrico aéreo is essential for shipping companies to determine the correct freight charges. This guide explains the formula, provides a calculator, and includes practical examples to help you understand how to apply it.

What is peso volumétrico aéreo?

Peso volumétrico aéreo refers to the weight calculated based on the volume of a package, as established by international air freight regulations. It's used when the actual weight of a package is less than the calculated volumetric weight, which determines the shipping cost.

Most airlines use the IATA (International Air Transport Association) formula to calculate volumetric weight. This ensures consistency across different carriers and helps prevent overcharging for small, lightweight packages.

How to calculate peso volumétrico aéreo

To calculate the volumetric weight of an air shipment, follow these steps:

Measure the length, width, and height of your package in centimeters.
Multiply these three dimensions together to get the volume in cubic centimeters (cm³).
Divide the volume by the divisor specified by the airline (typically 5000 or 6000 for international shipments).
Compare the resulting volumetric weight with the actual weight of your package.
The higher of the two values (actual weight or volumetric weight) will determine your shipping cost.

Note: Different airlines may use different divisors. Always check with your specific carrier for their exact volumetric weight calculation method.

Formula and example

Formula: Volumetric Weight = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ Divisor

Where Divisor is typically 5000 or 6000 cm³/kg, depending on the airline.

For example, let's calculate the volumetric weight for a package with dimensions 40 cm × 30 cm × 20 cm using a divisor of 5000 cm³/kg:

Volume = 40 × 30 × 20 = 24,000 cm³
Volumetric Weight = 24,000 ÷ 5,000 = 4.8 kg

If the actual weight of the package is 3 kg, the shipping cost would be based on the volumetric weight of 4.8 kg.

Comparison table

Here's a comparison of actual weight vs. volumetric weight for different package sizes:

Dimensions (L×W×H cm)	Volume (cm³)	Volumetric Weight (kg)	Actual Weight (kg)	Chargeable Weight (kg)
30×20×10	6,000	1.2	0.8	1.2
50×40×30	60,000	12	5	12
60×50×40	120,000	24	10	24

FAQ

What is the difference between actual weight and volumetric weight?

Actual weight is the physical weight of your package, while volumetric weight is calculated based on the package's dimensions. The higher of the two values determines your shipping cost.

Why do airlines use volumetric weight?

Airlines use volumetric weight to prevent small, lightweight packages from being undercharged. It helps ensure fair pricing across all shipments.

Can I request a lower shipping cost based on actual weight?

Most airlines will only charge based on the higher of the actual weight or volumetric weight. However, you can sometimes negotiate if your package is very lightweight for its size.