Volumetric Weight Calculator (Dimensional Weight)

Work out the volumetric (dimensional) weight and the chargeable weight of a shipment. Enter the package size, the number of packages and the carrier rule. Add the actual weight to see which is higher.

Your shipment

1. Units
2. Package
Use the outside size of one package, as the carrier measures it, including the pallet if the goods ship on one. All packages are assumed to be the same size and weight. Leave the weight blank to see only the volumetric weight.
3. How does the carrier convert volume to weight?
Carriers set their own divisor. Check your carrier’s terms. Some quote it in inches and pounds, such as 139 or 166 in³ per lb: choose in³ per lb as the divisor unit. 139 in³ per lb is about the same as 5,000 cm³ per kg.
4. Rounding and price - optional Round the chargeable weight up to the next
Enter the price in your own currency. The estimate is the chargeable weight multiplied by this price. It does not include surcharges, fuel, taxes or minimum charges.

Result

Chargeable weight-Fill in the fields to see the result.
Planning estimate. Carriers set their own divisor, rounding and minimum charges, and they measure the longest points of the packed goods. Confirm the figures with your carrier before you quote or book.

Printed from warehousecalc.com. Results are planning estimates; confirm them before you rely on them.

How volumetric weight is calculated

Volumetric weight (kg) = length × width × height (cm) ÷ divisor. Common divisors are 6000 for air freight, 5000 for many express couriers, 3000 for road freight and 1000 for sea freight (LCL). Carriers set their own rules, so check the divisor in your carrier’s terms. The chargeable weight is the higher of the volumetric weight and the actual weight.

This is a planning estimate. The carrier’s own measurement, rounding and surcharges decide the final charge.

Worked example: volumetric weight of 5 cartons

Five cartons, each 60 × 40 × 30 cm and 8 kg, sent by express courier with a divisor of 5,000.

  • Volume of one carton: 60 × 40 × 30 = 72,000 cm³.
  • Volumetric weight of one carton: 72,000 ÷ 5,000 = 14.4 kg.
  • Volumetric weight of the shipment: 14.4 × 5 = 72 kg.
  • Actual weight of the shipment: 8 × 5 = 40 kg.
  • Chargeable weight: the higher of the two, 72 kg.

The same cartons by air freight, with a divisor of 6,000, give 12 kg each and 60 kg in total, so the chargeable weight is 60 kg. In both cases the volume decides, not the weight on the scale.

Common questions about volumetric weight

Is volumetric weight the same as dimensional weight?

Yes. Volumetric weight, dimensional weight and DIM weight are names for the same figure: a weight worked out from the size of the package instead of from the scale.

What is chargeable weight?

The weight the carrier bills. It is the higher of the actual weight and the volumetric weight. Light, bulky goods are charged on volume. Dense, heavy goods are charged on actual weight.

Which divisor should I use?

The one in your carrier’s terms. The calculator offers 6,000 for air freight, 5,000 for express couriers, 3,000 for road freight and 1,000 for sea freight (LCL) as common starting points, and you can enter any other divisor. A smaller divisor gives a higher volumetric weight.

How can I reduce the chargeable weight?

When volume decides, a smaller carton lowers the charge even if the goods weigh the same. Remove empty space, choose a carton closer to the size of the goods, and measure the outside size the way the carrier does.

Related tools and guides. For the volume of a shipment in cubic metres, use the CBM Calculator and read what CBM means in shipping. To see how many cartons fit on a pallet, use the Pallet Calculator. See all calculators.

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