Volumetric Weight
Get volumetric weight from length, width and height, compare it with actual weight and see which one is billed, for one box or several.
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Volumetric Weight: complete guide
Walk through the steps and examples, or jump straight to the topic you need.
At a glance
- What you enter
- The box's length, width, height and weight. Enter the quantity as well.
- Formula
- Volumetric weight is the product of the three sides divided by the divisor.
- Charge basis
- The larger of the volumetric weight and the actual weight.
- Divisor
- Domestic 6000, air and express 5000, sea 1000, and enter your own.
- Size tiers
- Divided from size 60 up to size 160 by the sum of the three sides. It's a different basis from volumetric weight.
- Units
- Accepts centimeters, millimeters and inches, and converts everything to centimeters to calculate.
- What it doesn't do
- It doesn't tell you the actual shipping rate. It varies by carrier, contract and destination.
- Limits
- Up to 1,000 cm per side, 1,000 kg, 30 boxes and 999 per box.
How to use Volumetric Weight
Choose the unit and the divisor
Choose the unit you measured in as it is, and it converts to centimeters for you. Choose the divisor based on the carrier you'll use, and if your contract lists a different value, enter it yourself.
Enter the outer dimensions after packing
Carriers measure the outer dimensions including the cushioning. Enter a generous measurement that includes any bulging parts to be close to reality.
Check the charge weight
It shows the volumetric weight and the actual weight side by side and marks which one the charge is based on. If it's the volumetric weight, making the box smaller is the way to lower the charge.
Look at the size tier too
This is a separate basis set by the sum of the three sides. It shows how many centimeters are left until the next tier, so if you're right on the edge, try making the packaging a little smaller.
What it’s good for
You're charged by the larger one
Parcels and air freight use the larger of the actual weight and the volumetric weight as the basis for the charge. A light but large box takes up that much space on a truck or a plane. This tool shows both values side by side and marks which one the charge is based on.
The divisor differs by carrier
Volumetric weight is found by dividing the product of the three sides by a divisor. 6000 is commonly used for domestic parcels and 5000 for international air freight and express, and sea freight uses a much smaller value. Which value is right depends on your contract, so this tool lets you pick one or enter your own.
Size tiers are a different basis
Tiers like the 60, 80 and 100 sizes are set not by volumetric weight but by the sum of the three sides. Even with a small volumetric weight, a long side can put you in a higher tier, so the tool shows both bases together and also says how many centimeters are left until the next tier.
Worked examples
A light, large box
50 × 40 × 30 cm · actual 2 kg · divisor 6000Volumetric weight 10 kg
Charge basis 10 kg (volumetric weight)A small, heavy box
20 × 20 × 20 cm · actual 15 kg · divisor 6000Volumetric weight 1.33 kg
Charge basis 15 kg (actual weight)Which divisor to choose
Swipe the table sideways to see the rest.
| Shipping method | Common divisor | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic parcel | 6000 | The most commonly used value. |
| International air and express | 5000 | The same box gets a larger volumetric weight. |
| Sea freight | 1000 | Counts volume much more heavily. |
When the result isn’t what you expected
It differs from what the carrier measured
Measure the outer packing dimensions again. Everything counts, including parts bulging from cushioning, handles and areas added with tape. Carriers measure at the longest point.
The size tier isn't what I expected
The size tier is set by the sum of the three sides, not by volumetric weight. Even with a small volumetric weight, a long side puts you in a higher tier. That's why the two values are shown separately.
I want to know the price
This tool doesn't calculate prices. Even for the same weight they differ by carrier, destination and contract, so they can't be put in one table. Take the charge weight from here and ask the carrier.
Key terms
- Volumetric weight
- The space something takes up, converted to a weight. Also called dimensional weight.
- Divisor
- The number you divide by to convert volume to weight. It differs by company.
- Size tier
- A parcel size class divided by the sum of the three sides.
Volumetric Weight FAQ
Does it tell me the actual shipping rate?
No. Rates vary by carrier, contract and destination, so they can't be put in one table. This tool only calculates which weight the charge is based on.
What if I have several boxes?
It takes the larger value for each box, then multiplies by the quantity and adds them up. Comparing the total weight in one go would come out lower than the real charge when light large boxes and heavy small boxes are mixed, because parcels are charged per box.
Do I need to include the thickness of the packaging?
Yes. Carriers measure the outer dimensions after packing, including any parts bulging out from cushioning, so entering a generous measurement is closer to reality.
Does it work for cylindrical items?
Enter the largest diameter and the length in the length, width and height slots, and it matches how carriers measure.
Are my entries saved?
No. They disappear when you refresh.
How does it round up?
This tool shows values as they are, without cutting. The rounding step differs by carrier, so we don't set it.