Volumetric Weight Calculator
Compare shipping costs across carriers instantly
Unit Settings
Package Information
1 packagePackage #1
How Volumetric Weight Works
Carriers charge based on the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight. Here's how it's calculated:
Measure Your Package
Measure the length, width, and height of your package in centimeters or inches.
Apply the Formula
Multiply L × W × H and divide by the carrier's volumetric divisor to get the volumetric weight.
Compare & Choose
The chargeable weight is the greater of actual weight vs. volumetric weight. Compare across carriers to find the best rate.
(L × W × H) ÷ Divisor = Volumetric Weight
Why Do Carriers Use Volumetric Weight?
Shipping vehicles have limited space. A large but lightweight package takes up room that could be used for heavier items. Volumetric weight pricing ensures carriers are fairly compensated for the space a package occupies, not just its physical weight.
Carrier Divisor Reference
Different carriers use different divisors. A lower divisor means higher volumetric weight and potentially higher shipping costs.
| Carrier | Metric Divisor (cm³/kg) | Imperial Divisor (in³/lb) | Applicable Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
FedEx / DHL | 5,000 | 139 | Global express & freight |
UPS | 5,000 | 139 | Global parcel & freight |
USPS | 5,000 | 166 | US domestic & international |
TNT | 5,000 | 139 | European & international express |
Aramex | 5,000 | 139 | Middle East, Africa, Asia |
DPD | 5,000 | 139 | European parcel delivery |
European Standard | 4,000 | 111.2 | European regional carriers |
5,000
139
Global express & freight
5,000
139
Global parcel & freight
5,000
166
US domestic & international
5,000
139
European & international express
5,000
139
Middle East, Africa, Asia
5,000
139
European parcel delivery
4,000
111.2
European regional carriers
Example: A 50×40×30cm box weighing 5kg
50 × 40 × 30 cm — 5 kg
60,000 ÷ 5,000 = 12 kg
Chargeable: 12 kg
60,000 ÷ 5,000 = 12 kg
Chargeable: 12 kg
60,000 ÷ 5,000 = 12 kg
Chargeable: 12 kg
60,000 ÷ 5,000 = 12 kg
Chargeable: 12 kg
60,000 ÷ 5,000 = 12 kg
Chargeable: 12 kg
60,000 ÷ 5,000 = 12 kg
Chargeable: 12 kg
60,000 ÷ 4,000 = 15 kg
Chargeable: 15 kg
The same package results in different chargeable weights depending on the carrier's divisor.
Tips to Reduce Shipping Costs
Smart packaging can save you significant money on shipping fees.
Right-Size Your Boxes
Use the smallest box that fits your product. Excess space increases volumetric weight and adds cost.
Compare Carriers
Different carriers use different divisors. Use our calculator to compare and find the most cost-effective option.
Consolidate Shipments
Combine multiple small items into one package when possible to optimize the volume-to-weight ratio.
Use Lightweight Materials
Choose lighter packaging materials like poly mailers or thin corrugated boxes to reduce actual weight.
Consider Flat Packaging
If your product allows, use flat or vacuum-sealed packaging to reduce height and overall volume.
Negotiate with Carriers
High-volume shippers can negotiate custom divisors or discounted rates with most carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Volumetric weight (also called dimensional weight or DIM weight) is a pricing technique used by shipping carriers. It calculates a package's weight based on its size rather than its actual weight. The formula is: Length × Width × Height ÷ Volumetric Divisor.
Measure your package's length, width, and height. Multiply these three dimensions together, then divide by the carrier's volumetric divisor (e.g., 5000 for FedEx/DHL in metric). The result is the volumetric weight in kg or lb.
Actual weight is how much a package physically weighs on a scale. Volumetric weight is calculated from the package's dimensions. Carriers charge based on whichever is greater — this is called the chargeable weight or billable weight.
If your package is large but lightweight, the volumetric weight may exceed the actual weight. Carriers will charge based on the volumetric weight in this case, resulting in higher costs. Use our calculator to check before shipping.
FedEx and DHL Express use a volumetric divisor of 5,000 cm³/kg (or 139 in³/lb for imperial measurements). This means every 5,000 cubic centimeters of volume equals 1 kg of volumetric weight.
UPS uses a volumetric divisor of 5,000 cm³/kg for international shipments. For US domestic shipments, UPS uses 139 in³/lb. Note that divisors may vary by service level and contract.
Use right-sized boxes that fit your products snugly. Remove excess void fill. Consider flat or vacuum-sealed packaging. Compare carriers — different divisors mean different costs for the same package.
Most major carriers apply volumetric weight pricing to both domestic and international shipments. However, some services (like economy or postal services) may have different rules or minimum thresholds. Check with your specific carrier.
For irregular shapes, measure the longest point on each axis (length, width, height) to determine the dimensions of the smallest rectangular box that could contain the package. Carriers use these outer dimensions for calculations.
Chargeable weight (or billable weight) is the weight used to calculate your shipping cost. It is the greater of the actual weight and the volumetric weight. This ensures carriers are compensated for both heavy and bulky shipments.