How to Calculate Parcel Weight

Accurately determine Chargeable Weight, Volumetric Weight, and Shipping Costs

Parcel Weight Calculator

Enter your package dimensions and actual weight to find the chargeable weight.

Weight Comparison Chart

Calculation Summary

Metric	Value	Formula Used
Volume	0	L × W × H
DIM Weight	0	Volume / Divisor
Final Chargeable	0	Max(Actual, DIM)

What is Parcel Weight Calculation?

Understanding how to calculate parcel weight is essential for businesses and individuals shipping goods. Shipping carriers do not simply charge based on how heavy an item is; they also consider how much space it occupies in their truck or aircraft. This concept is known as Volumetric Weight or Dimensional (DIM) Weight.

When you ship a package, the carrier compares the Actual Weight (what the scale reads) against the Volumetric Weight (calculated from dimensions). The higher of the two becomes the Chargeable Weight, which determines your final shipping cost. This ensures that lightweight but bulky items (like pillows or bubble wrap) pay for the space they consume.

How to Calculate Parcel Weight: The Formula

The standard formula for calculating volumetric weight depends on the measurement system (Metric vs. Imperial) and the specific divisor (DIM Factor) used by your courier.

Metric Formula (cm/kg)

Volumetric Weight (kg) = (Length × Width × Height) / DIM Divisor

Common Divisor: 5000 (International), 6000 (Domestic)

Imperial Formula (in/lb)

Volumetric Weight (lb) = (Length × Width × Height) / DIM Divisor

Common Divisor: 139 (International), 166 (Domestic Ground)

Variable Definitions

Variable	Meaning	Typical Unit	Typical Range
L, W, H	Dimensions of the package	cm or inches	10 – 200+
DIM Divisor	Carrier-specific factor	Constant	139, 166, 5000, 6000
Actual Weight	Gross weight on scale	kg or lbs	0.1 – 1000+

Practical Examples of Parcel Weight Calculation

Example 1: The "Light but Bulky" Package

Imagine you are shipping a large box of pillows via an international courier using the metric system (Divisor 5000).

• Dimensions: 50 cm × 40 cm × 30 cm
• Actual Weight: 2 kg
• Calculation: (50 × 40 × 30) / 5000 = 60,000 / 5000 = 12 kg

Result: Even though the box only weighs 2 kg, the carrier will charge you for 12 kg because the volumetric weight is higher.

Example 2: The "Small but Heavy" Package

Now consider shipping a small box of metal parts via UPS Ground (Imperial, Divisor 139).

• Dimensions: 10 in × 10 in × 5 in
• Actual Weight: 15 lbs
• Calculation: (10 × 10 × 5) / 139 = 500 / 139 ≈ 3.6 lbs

Result: The volumetric weight is only 3.6 lbs, but the actual weight is 15 lbs. The carrier will charge you for 15 lbs.

How to Use This Parcel Weight Calculator

1. Select Measurement System: Choose Metric (cm/kg) or Imperial (in/lb) based on your location and carrier.
2. Enter Dimensions: Input the Length, Width, and Height of the packaged box. Always measure the outermost points.
3. Enter Actual Weight: Weigh the fully packed box on a scale and enter the value.
4. Select DIM Factor: Choose the divisor used by your shipping provider (e.g., 5000 is standard for DHL/FedEx International).
5. Review Results: The calculator will instantly show the Volumetric Weight and highlight the Chargeable Weight.

Key Factors That Affect Parcel Weight Results

Several factors influence the final calculation of how to calculate parcel weight and your shipping costs:

• Carrier Divisors: Different carriers use different divisors. A divisor of 6000 results in a lower chargeable weight than 5000. Always check your contract.
• Packaging Efficiency: Using a box that is too large for the item increases the volume (L×W×H) unnecessarily, leading to higher costs.
• Irregular Shapes: Carriers measure the "bounding box" of irregular items. If a cylinder is shipped, it is measured as a rectangular prism (Diameter × Diameter × Length).
• Palletization: If items are stacked on a pallet, the dimensions of the pallet itself are often included in the height calculation.
• Rounding Rules: Most carriers round dimensions to the nearest whole number (cm or inch) and round the final weight up to the next half-kilogram or pound.
• Minimum Billable Weight: Some freight services have a minimum billable weight regardless of size or actual weight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is my shipping cost higher than the actual weight?

This happens when your package is light but large. Carriers charge based on Volumetric Weight to cover the cost of the space occupied in the vehicle.

2. What is the most common DIM divisor?

For international air freight and express couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS), 5000 (metric) or 139 (imperial) are standard. Domestic ground services often use 6000 or 166.

3. How do I reduce my chargeable weight?

Use the smallest possible box for your item. Eliminate void space and avoid over-packaging. Vacuum-sealing soft items like clothing can also significantly reduce volume.

4. Does this apply to flat rate boxes?

No. Flat rate boxes (like USPS Flat Rate) have a fixed price regardless of weight (up to a limit) or dimensions, so volumetric weight calculations do not apply.

5. How are cylinders or tubes measured?

They are squared off. The diameter is treated as both the width and height. So a tube 100cm long with a 10cm diameter is calculated as 100 × 10 × 10.

6. Do I measure the inside or outside of the box?

Always measure the outside dimensions. If the box bulges, measure to the point of the bulge.

7. What if my weight is in between whole numbers?

Carriers almost always round up. If your chargeable weight is 5.2 kg, you will likely be billed for 5.5 kg or 6.0 kg depending on the carrier's policy.

8. Is the divisor negotiable?

For high-volume shippers, yes. Companies with large shipping contracts can sometimes negotiate a more favorable divisor (e.g., moving from 5000 to 6000) to reduce costs.