What is Volumetric Weight?
It’s not the weight got by weighing a box on a scale. The volume weight is the space occupied by a box in the carrier. Thus, your price will be based on the volumetric weight of the boxes rather than the actual weight.
To understand better, take a cushion or a teddy bear, weigh on a scale –both are lightweight, but by nature are bulky. Carriers will not charge these commodities as per the weighing scale, as their volumetric weight is often on the higher side.
The Difference Between Actual and Volumetric Weight
- Actual Weight: What the box weighs when you put it on a physical scale.
- Volumetric (Dimensional) Weight: A calculation of how much physical space (Volume) the box takes up inside the cargo hold.
- The Rule: Every major global carrier (DHL, FedEx, UPS) will compare these two numbers and charge you for whichever number is higher. This is called your "Chargeable Weight."
How to Calculate Volumetric Weight for International Courier
To get the volume of a box, multiply its length, width, and height and divide it by 5000; the outcome of this sum is the volume weight of the box. Measuring the dimensions for a parcel in centimeter is common in courier world.
- Dimensions: Measure the longest points (length, width, height) in centimeters.
- Formula: (Length x Width x Height in cm) ÷ 5000 = Volumetric Weight in KG (Common for many carriers).
- Example: A box of 50 × 40 × 40 cm = 16 kg (volumetric weight).
- Final Charge: The courier will compare the actual weight with the volumetric weight and charge the higher of the two.
- Round Up: Always round up to the nearest half or full kilogram.
Use the volumetric weight calculator below to determine your box dimensions.
Volumetric weight calculator (in cms)
Volumetric weight calculator (in inches)
How to manually calculate volumetric weight
1) Measure three dimensions of the box (length, width, height) and multiply them.
2) If you have measured the dimensions in centimetres, then attain the result by dividing by 5000 (with EU economy services divide by 4000)
3) When your scale of measurement is in inches, then get the result by dividing by 305 (with EU economy services divide by 245)
4) The outcome of this calculation is the volumetric weight of your box.
After comparing the volumetric weight to the actual weight of the box, the courier will take the higher side from the two as chargeable weight (this is also known as billable weight).
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How to Reduce the Volumetric Weight of Your Box?
While packing, make sure that the box is not bulging out from any side. Always use a right size box to pack your items. If you have bulky things, like a quilt, pillow, teddy bear, etc, vacuum pack them - this will save a lot of space. Do not leave any loose space inside the box - so it doesn’t swell in transit.
Parcel Chief’s Expert Tip: How to Pack Smart and Save Cash
If you put a pair of shoes in a box meant for a microwave, you are paying to ship empty air. Always cut your boxes down to the smallest safe size. At our Mumbai hub, our packing team actively helps customers repack their items to reduce volumetric bloat and save them money.
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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
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Helpful Packaging Advice
Volumetric Weight
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