0 Login

Volumetric weight calculator

Volumetric weight?
If your package is large, couriers often charge by size, not weight.
Volumetric weight?
If your package is large, couriers often charge by size, not weight.

What exactly is volumetric weight?

Volumetric weight is determined by calculating the package's dimensions—length, width, and height—and converting these measurements into volumetric kilograms. Different couriers and shipping services use various formulas to calculate this weight. For instance, a courier might use one formula for express shipping and another for economy shipping.

Pro Tip

Use snug packaging to minimize the dimensions of your parcel, reducing the volumetric weight and lowering shipping costs. Always compare couriers to find the best rates based on their volumetric weight calculations.

Explorer on this Page

Why VW
Calculate
Freight
Chargeable Weight
FAQs
Save

Why is volumetric weight charged?

The bigger an item is, the more room it takes up on a vehicle or aircraft, and therefore the more it costs to send. If an item is large but light, the price will be based on the size rather than the weight.


Even though this box weighs only 2kg, its large size means its volumetric weight is over 20kg.


Calculate the volumetric weight for courier shipments.

Different courier companies have their own methods, but usually, you multiply the parcel's length, width, and height (in centimeters) and then divide by 5,000. You can use the tool above to do the math for you, or you can calculate it yourself like this.

1

Multiply the length, width, and height.

Multiply the length, width, and height of your parcel in centimeters,

like 20cm x 20cm x 30cm.
2

Divide the result by 5,000.

You've now calculated the volumetric weight in kilograms.

*For calculations using inches, divide by 305.
3

Compare this to the actual weight.

If this number is higher than the actual weight, your shipment will be billed based on the volumetric weight.

Calculate the volumetric weight for your freight shipment.

For most road and air freight services, the volumetric weight is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the shipment in centimeters and then dividing by 6,000.

Calculate the total chargeable weight for a shipment.

Different couriers have their own methods for calculating the total chargeable weight of a shipment, which can significantly affect the cost.

Reduce shipping costs for bulky items

Save on shipping bulky items by using postal services that don't charge for volumetric weight. For instance, DPD offers a flat rate per parcel, eliminating volumetric fees. Alternatively, consider specialist large parcel services from DHL, Parcelforce, and FedEx.

Choose the right-sized box.

If your shipment includes irregularly shaped parcels, the volumetric weight will be calculated based on the smallest rectangular box that can fit each parcel. Therefore, it's important to select the appropriate box size.

Shipping pallets

When shipping a pallet, the pallet size affects the volumetric weight calculation. To potentially reduce costs, use a Euro pallet (1200 x 800mm) instead of a standard UK pallet (1200 x 1000mm) if your items fit.

FAQ

The volumetric divisor depends on the courier and service you're using. If you’re sending air freight, or economy freight, the divisor will likely be 6,000. If you’re sending with an express courier like UPS or FedEx, the devisor will likely be 5,000.

Some couriers charge a different devisor for shipments travelling by road, whether that be domestically or to the EU. But don't worry, ParcelHero always calculates the applicable devisor at the point of quote and includes all applicable surcharges.

1 cubic metre is equivalent to 200kg volumetric weight at a devisor of 5,000 and 166.6 kg at a devisor of 6,000.

Don't Find the Answer?
Contact Us For Any Query.

Request a demo today

Contact Us