Accurate logistics calculator for Air, Sea, and Courier Shipments
Volumetric Weight Calculator
Metric (cm / kg)
Imperial (inches / lbs)
Select your measurement standard.
Please enter a valid length.
Please enter a valid width.
Please enter a valid height.
The gross weight from the scale.
Please enter a valid weight.
Standard: 5000 (Metric) or 139 (Imperial). Check your carrier.
Chargeable Weight
0.00 kg
Based on: Actual Weight
Volumetric Weight
0.00
Actual Weight
0.00
Total Volume
0.00
Formula used: (L × W × H) / 5000
Weight Comparison Breakdown
Metric
Value
Unit
Actual Weight
0.00
kg
Volumetric Weight
0.00
kg
Chargeable Weight
0.00
kg
Table 1: Comparison of actual scale weight vs. calculated volumetric weight.
Weight Analysis Chart
Chart 1: Visual comparison to determine the chargeable weight.
What is Volumetric Weight?
Understanding how to calculate volumetric weight (also known as dimensional weight) is essential for anyone involved in shipping, logistics, or e-commerce. Volumetric weight is a pricing technique used by courier services and freight carriers (such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, and air freight forwarders) to account for the amount of space a package occupies in relation to its actual physical weight.
Carriers charge based on the greater of the two: the gross weight (scale weight) or the volumetric weight. This ensures that lightweight, bulky packages (like a large box of pillows) generate enough revenue to cover the space they consume in an aircraft or container. Mastering how to calculate volumetric weight can help businesses optimize packaging and significantly reduce shipping costs.
Volumetric Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The formula for how to calculate volumetric weight is standardized across the industry, though the specific "DIM factor" (divisor) may vary depending on the carrier and mode of transport.
Table 2: Key variables used in the volumetric weight formula.
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Air Courier Shipment (Metric)
A company is shipping a box of foam padding via DHL.
Dimensions: 50 cm × 40 cm × 30 cm
Actual Weight: 5 kg
Divisor: 5000 (Standard Courier)
Calculation: (50 × 40 × 30) / 5000 = 60,000 / 5000 = 12 kg.
Since the volumetric weight (12 kg) is greater than the actual weight (5 kg), the chargeable weight is 12 kg. This explains why knowing how to calculate volumetric weight is crucial for budgeting.
Example 2: Domestic Trucking (Imperial)
An auto parts store ships a bumper in the US.
Dimensions: 60 in × 10 in × 10 in
Actual Weight: 20 lbs
Divisor: 139 (Common US Standard)
Calculation: (60 × 10 × 10) / 139 = 6,000 / 139 ≈ 43.17 lbs.
The carrier will charge for 44 lbs (usually rounded up), significantly higher than the 20 lbs scale weight.
How to Use This Volumetric Weight Calculator
Select System: Choose Metric (cm/kg) or Imperial (in/lbs) based on your location and carrier.
Input Dimensions: Measure the longest points of your package for length, width, and height.
Input Actual Weight: Enter the weight shown on a standard scale.
Choose Divisor: Select 5000 for most international couriers, 6000 for some domestic or air freight, or 139 for US shipments.
Analyze Results: The calculator instantly shows the chargeable weight. Use the chart to visualize the difference between size and weight costs.
Key Factors That Affect Volumetric Weight Results
When learning how to calculate volumetric weight, several financial and logistical factors influence the final shipping cost:
Carrier Divisors: DHL, UPS, and FedEx may use different divisors (e.g., 5000 vs 6000). A lower divisor results in a higher volumetric weight, increasing costs.
Packaging Efficiency: Excessive void fill or oversized boxes increase dimensions without adding value, directly inflating the volumetric cost.
Palletization: Shipping on pallets adds volume. You must calculate the volume of the entire pallet load, not just individual boxes.
Stackability: Non-stackable pallets are often charged based on the volume up to the ceiling of the container, effectively increasing the chargeable height.
Mode of Transport: Air freight is stricter with volume than sea freight due to limited aircraft space. Sea freight (LCL) uses CBM (Cubic Meters) rather than a weight divisor.
Minimum Density Rules: Some freight carriers impose minimum density requirements per cubic foot, affecting the billable weight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is my chargeable weight higher than my actual weight?
This happens when your package is low density (light but bulky). Carriers charge for the space you occupy. You can lower this by reducing box size.
What is the standard divisor for air freight?
The industry standard is typically 6000 (167 kg/cbm) for general air freight, while express couriers usually use 5000 (200 kg/cbm).
Does volumetric weight apply to sea freight?
Yes, but differently. For LCL (Less than Container Load), you are typically charged per Cubic Meter (CBM) or per Tonne (1000 kg), whichever is greater.
How do I reduce volumetric weight?
Use smaller boxes, vacuum seal soft goods, or disassemble items to pack them more flatly.
Do I round up dimensions?
Yes, most carriers require you to round up to the nearest whole cm or inch before calculating.