About the Volumetric Weight Calculator
Volumetric Weight Calculator tells you what a courier will charge for a parcel. Couriers do not only weigh a box: they also work out the weight that its size stands for, called the volumetric or dimensional weight, by multiplying length, width and height and dividing by a number called the divisor (for example 5000 for centimetres). You pay for the larger of the real weight and the volumetric weight. Enter the box size in centimetres or inches, the real weight, the number of boxes and the divisor from your courier's rate card, and the page shows the volumetric weight, the chargeable weight and which of them decides the price.
Updated October 2026
How to use the Volumetric Weight Calculator
- 1Choose centimetres and kilograms, or inches and pounds.
- 2Enter the length, width and height of the packed box.
- 3Enter the real weight and how many identical boxes you have.
- 4Choose the courier's divisor, or type your own.
- 5Read the volumetric weight and the chargeable weight.
Why couriers use volume
A pillow and a brick of the same weight use very different amounts of space in a truck or plane. Because space is the limit for light, bulky goods, couriers charge on the volumetric weight if it is greater than the real weight. That is why a large, light box can cost more to ship than a small, heavy one.
Check before you ship
Measure the packed box, work out both weights and note which is bigger. If the volumetric weight is much higher, try a smaller box. If the real weight is higher, no change in size will help, and you may reduce cost by choosing a cheaper packaging material.
- Light and bulky: you pay for volume
- Small and heavy: you pay for real weight
- Look for a box that fits snugly
- Compare couriers: their divisors differ
Sellers and online shops
If you sell online, build the shipping cost into your price and show customers the right weights at checkout. Keep a list of your standard boxes with their size and weights so that quotes are fast. Use the Profit Margin Calculator to see the effect of shipping on your margin.
Related tools
Convert weights with the Weight Converter and sizes with the Length Converter, find the volume of shapes with the Volume Calculator and work out profits with the Profit Margin Calculator. The Unit Price Calculator helps compare packs.
Features
- Volumetric and chargeable weight
- Common divisors 4000, 5000 and 6000, or your own
- Centimetres, inches, kilograms and pounds
- Several boxes at once
- Shows which weight you pay for
- Private: nothing is uploaded
Frequently asked questions
What is volumetric weight?
A weight calculated from the size of a parcel: length × width × height divided by a divisor. It reflects the space the parcel takes in a plane or truck.
What is the formula?
In centimetres: volumetric weight in kg = length × width × height ÷ 5000 (or the courier's divisor). In inches: length × width × height ÷ 139 gives pounds for international couriers.
What is chargeable weight?
The larger of the real weight and the volumetric weight. It is the weight your shipping price is based on.
Which divisor does my courier use?
DHL, FedEx and UPS international express services commonly use 5000 (cm). Some postal and economy services use 6000, and air freight often uses 6000 in cm or 167 kg per cubic metre. Check your courier's current terms.
How can I reduce the cost?
Use the smallest box that fits, remove empty space, use soft packaging that can be compressed and pack light, bulky items flat.
Do I round up?
Couriers round to steps such as 0.5 kg or 1 kg. Round the chargeable weight up to the next step on your rate card.
Do I measure the product or the box?
Measure the outside of the box after packing, at its longest points, including any bulges.
Is it free to use?
Yes. Nothing is uploaded.