Volumetric Weight Calculator for Couriers
Work out a parcel's volumetric (dimensional) weight and the chargeable weight a courier will bill you for.
Chargeable weight
4.8 kg
- Volumetric weight
- 4.8 kg
- Actual weight
- 3 kg
- Rounded up to the next 0.5 kg
- 5 kg
- Charged by
- Size (volumetric weight)
This box weighs 3 kg but takes up the space of 4.8 kg, so the courier charges by size: 4.8 kg, billed as 5 kg by most couriers.
How it's worked out
- Volume of a box
40 × 30 × 2024,000 cm³ - Volumetric weight
24,000 ÷ 5,0004.8 kg - Chargeable weight
the larger of 4.8 kg and 3 kg4.8 kg
- Measure the longest point of each side, including any bulge, and round each to the nearest whole centimetre as couriers do. A smaller box often costs less to send.
The formula
Volumetric weight (kg) = length × width × height (cm) ÷ divisor
The courier charges for whichever is larger, the actual weight or the volumetric weight, usually rounded up to the next half kilogram. With several boxes, each box's weights are added up.
Inches and pounds
Choose inches and pounds and the calculator converts to centimetres and kilograms first, so the same divisors apply. A divisor of 5,000 cm³ per kg is about 138 cubic inches per pound.
Measuring a parcel
Measure each side at its widest point, including any bulge, and round to the nearest whole centimetre, as couriers do.
Questions people ask
How is volumetric weight calculated?
Length × width × height in centimetres, divided by the courier's divisor. A 40 × 30 × 20 cm box is 24,000 cm³, which is 4.8 kg with a divisor of 5,000.
What is chargeable weight?
The larger of the actual weight and the volumetric weight. A 3 kg parcel in a 40 × 30 × 20 cm box is charged as 4.8 kg, billed as 5 kg by most couriers.
Should I use 5,000 or 6,000?
Express couriers such as DHL, FedEx and UPS mostly use 5,000 for international parcels. Air cargo and many local couriers use 6,000. Your courier's rate card says which.
How do I lower the chargeable weight?
Use the smallest box that fits safely. Cutting each side of a box by a few centimetres often saves more than removing padding.
About this calculator
Formula and rules last checked 9 November 2026Written and tested by the CalculatorDex teamReport a problem