Calculate Volume Weight Accurately & Save on Shipping Costs
Calculate Your Shipping Volume Weight
Enter the longest dimension of your package.
Enter the second longest dimension.
Enter the shortest dimension.
Air Freight (5000)
Express Courier (6000)
Standard Parcel (7000)
Sea Freight (10000)
Select your shipping method to apply the correct divisor.
Enter the actual weight of the package.
Calculation Results
—
Dimensional Weight: — kg
Volume: — cm³
Divisor Used: —
Formula: Volume Weight (kg) = (Length x Width x Height) / Divisor. The chargeable weight is the greater of the actual weight or the volume weight.
Weight Comparison Chart
Comparison of Actual Weight vs. Volume Weight
Shipping Method Divisors
Shipping Method
Divisor (cm/kg)
Example Application
Air Freight
5000
Express and time-sensitive air cargo.
Express Courier
6000
Fast, door-to-door package delivery services.
Standard Parcel
7000
Typical ground or less urgent air parcel services.
Sea Freight
10000
Bulk cargo, containers, and less urgent shipments.
Common divisors used by shipping carriers. Divisors may vary.
How to Calculate Volume Weight for Shipping
Understanding how to calculate volume weight for shipping is crucial for any business or individual that sends packages. Carriers use this calculation to determine the chargeable weight of a shipment, which is typically the greater of the actual weight or the volumetric weight. This ensures that carriers can account for the space a package occupies, not just its mass, especially for bulky yet lightweight items. Accurate calculation of volume weight for shipping can lead to significant cost savings by avoiding unexpectedly high shipping fees.
What is Volume Weight for Shipping?
Volume weight, also known as dimensional weight or dim weight, is a pricing strategy used by shipping companies. It's a calculated weight based on the package's dimensions: length, width, and height. The purpose of volume weight is to represent the space a package takes up in a delivery vehicle (like a truck or airplane). If a package is large but light, it still consumes a significant amount of space, and the carrier charges for that occupied space using the volume weight calculation.
Who should use it: Anyone shipping packages, especially businesses involved in e-commerce, logistics, freight forwarding, and international trade. It's essential for understanding shipping quotes and optimizing packaging strategies.
Common misconceptions:
Volume weight is always higher than actual weight: This is not true. For dense, heavy items, the actual weight will often be higher. The carrier charges the greater of the two.
All carriers use the same formula: While the concept is the same, the specific divisor used in the formula can vary between carriers and shipping methods (e.g., air vs. sea freight).
It only applies to large items: While it disproportionately affects bulky items, volume weight calculations apply to all shipments.
Volume Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The fundamental formula for calculating volume weight for shipping is straightforward but requires attention to detail regarding units and the carrier's specific divisor.
The core calculation is:
Volume Weight = (Length × Width × Height) / Divisor
Here's a step-by-step breakdown:
Measure Dimensions: Accurately measure the length, width, and height of your package in centimeters (cm). It's crucial to use the longest dimension as length, the second longest as width, and the shortest as height.
Calculate Volume: Multiply the three dimensions together to find the package's total volume.
Volume (cm³) = Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm)
Determine the Divisor: This is a factor set by the shipping carrier. It converts cubic centimeters into a weight equivalent, typically in kilograms (kg). Common divisors include 5000, 6000, or 7000 for air freight and couriers, and potentially higher for sea freight. Always check with your carrier for their specific divisor.
Calculate Volume Weight: Divide the calculated volume by the carrier's specified divisor.
Volume Weight (kg) = Volume (cm³) / Divisor
Determine Chargeable Weight: Compare the calculated Volume Weight with the package's Actual Weight (measured on a scale). The shipping carrier will charge for the higher of the two values.
Chargeable Weight = Maximum (Actual Weight, Volume Weight)
Variables Table:
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range / Values
Length (L)
The longest dimension of the package.
cm
> 0
Width (W)
The second longest dimension of the package.
cm
> 0
Height (H)
The shortest dimension of the package.
cm
> 0
Volume
The total space occupied by the package.
cm³
L × W × H
Divisor
Carrier-specific factor to convert volume to weight.
cm/kg
Commonly 5000, 6000, 7000 (Air/Express), or higher (Sea). Varies by carrier.
Volume Weight (VW)
Calculated weight based on dimensions.
kg
Volume / Divisor
Actual Weight (AW)
The measured weight of the package on a scale.
kg
> 0
Chargeable Weight (CW)
The weight used by the carrier for billing.
kg
max(AW, VW)
Understanding the components of shipping weight calculation.
Practical Examples of Volume Weight Calculation
Let's illustrate how to calculate volume weight for shipping with two common scenarios:
Example 1: Bulky, Lightweight Item (e.g., Large Teddy Bear)
You are shipping a large, soft toy that is bulky but doesn't weigh much.
Length: 50 cm
Width: 40 cm
Height: 30 cm
Actual Weight: 4 kg
Shipping Method: Standard Parcel (Divisor: 7000)
Calculation:
Volume = 50 cm × 40 cm × 30 cm = 60,000 cm³
Volume Weight = 60,000 cm³ / 7000 = 8.57 kg
Chargeable Weight = max(Actual Weight, Volume Weight) = max(4 kg, 8.57 kg) = 8.57 kg
Interpretation: Even though the teddy bear only weighs 4 kg, its large size means it occupies significant space. The shipping cost will be based on 8.57 kg, not its actual weight. This highlights why understanding volume weight for shipping is critical for such items.
Example 2: Dense, Heavy Item (e.g., Small Electronics Component)
You are shipping a small box containing dense electronic components.
Length: 15 cm
Width: 10 cm
Height: 8 cm
Actual Weight: 6 kg
Shipping Method: Express Courier (Divisor: 6000)
Calculation:
Volume = 15 cm × 10 cm × 8 cm = 1,200 cm³
Volume Weight = 1,200 cm³ / 6000 = 0.2 kg
Chargeable Weight = max(Actual Weight, Volume Weight) = max(6 kg, 0.2 kg) = 6 kg
Interpretation: In this case, the actual weight (6 kg) is much higher than the calculated volume weight (0.2 kg). The shipping cost will be based on the actual weight of 6 kg. This demonstrates that volume weight calculations are most impactful when the item's dimensions are disproportionately large relative to its mass.
How to Use This Volume Weight Calculator
Our free online Volume Weight Calculator is designed for simplicity and accuracy, helping you quickly determine your shipment's chargeable weight.
Enter Dimensions: Input the Length, Width, and Height of your package in centimeters (cm) into the respective fields. Ensure you measure accurately and use the longest dimension as length.
Select Shipping Method: Choose the shipping method you intend to use from the dropdown list. This automatically selects the appropriate divisor commonly used by carriers for that service (e.g., Air Freight, Express Courier, Standard Parcel, Sea Freight).
Enter Actual Weight: Input the physical weight of the package in kilograms (kg) as measured by a scale.
Click Calculate: Press the "Calculate" button.
How to read results:
Chargeable Weight (Primary Result): This is the largest value displayed prominently. It represents the weight your shipping carrier will use to calculate your shipping cost.
Dimensional Weight: This is the calculated weight based on your package's dimensions and the selected shipping divisor.
Volume: Shows the total cubic volume of your package in cm³.
Divisor Used: Indicates which divisor was applied based on your selected shipping method.
Decision-making guidance: Compare the Chargeable Weight to your expectations. If the dimensional weight is significantly higher than the actual weight, consider optimizing your packaging to reduce the dimensions or using a more cost-effective shipping method if available and suitable for your timeline.
While volume weight is a critical component, several other factors influence your overall shipping costs. Understanding these can help you strategize further:
Actual Weight: As discussed, this is the baseline measurement. Heavier items will always be billed based on actual weight if it exceeds dimensional weight.
Shipping Distance: The farther a package travels, the higher the transportation cost will be due to fuel, labor, and transit time.
Shipping Speed/Service Level: Express services (next-day, 2-day) are significantly more expensive than standard or economy services due to faster transit times and dedicated handling. This is directly linked to the divisor used for volume weight.
Carrier Specifics: Each carrier (e.g., FedEx, UPS, DHL, national postal services) has its own pricing structure, surcharges, and potentially different dimensional weight divisors. Comparing quotes is essential.
Fuel Surcharges: Most carriers apply a fuel surcharge that fluctuates based on global oil prices. This is often a percentage added to the base shipping cost.
Handling Fees and Surcharges: Shipments may incur additional fees for oversized packages, irregular shapes, remote area delivery, or special handling requirements.
Insurance: If you opt for shipping insurance to cover potential loss or damage, this adds to the total cost.
Customs Duties and Taxes (International Shipments): For international shipping, import duties, taxes, and brokerage fees can significantly increase the final cost, independent of shipping weight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the standard divisor for calculating volume weight?
There isn't one single standard divisor. Common divisors for air freight and express couriers are 5000 or 6000 cm³/kg. For less time-sensitive or sea freight, divisors like 7000 or even 10000 cm³/kg might be used. It is crucial to check the specific carrier's policy.
2. Can I use inches and pounds instead of cm and kg?
Yes, but you must be consistent and use the appropriate conversion factor for the divisor. If your carrier provides a divisor in cubic inches per pound (in³/lb), use those units. Otherwise, convert your measurements to cm and kg before using our calculator, which is set up for metric units.
3. How do I measure my package dimensions accurately?
Measure the longest side as length, the second longest side as width, and the shortest side as height. Measure from edge to edge, ensuring you account for any protrusions. For flexible packaging, measure at its maximum dimensions.
4. Does volume weight apply to all shipping services?
Volume weight typically applies to air freight, international express, and parcel services. Some less-than-truckload (LTL) or full truckload (FTL) freight services might use different weight-based calculations or per-pallet rates, though density still plays a role in LTL.
5. What happens if my package is very light but extremely large?
In this scenario, the calculated volume weight will be significantly higher than the actual weight. The shipping carrier will charge you based on this higher volume weight, as it represents the space your package occupies. This is why optimizing packaging size is important.
6. Can I reduce my shipping costs by using smaller boxes?
Yes. By using smaller boxes that are just large enough for your product (and any necessary protective packaging), you minimize the volume and, consequently, the volume weight. This is a key strategy for reducing shipping expenses, especially for e-commerce businesses.
7. Are there online tools to help compare carrier rates?
Yes, many shipping platforms and comparison websites exist that can help you compare rates and services across different carriers based on weight, dimensions, and destination. Our calculator helps you understand one key aspect of these rates.
8. What if my shipment has multiple pieces?
You need to calculate the volume weight and chargeable weight for each individual piece. The total chargeable weight for the shipment will typically be the sum of the chargeable weights of all individual pieces.