What is volumetric weight?
Volumetric weight (also called dimensional weight) is a pricing method used by shipping companies to calculate the cost of a parcel based on the space it occupies, rather than its actual physical weight.
This ensures fair pricing for large but lightweight packages that take up significant room during transportation.
Enter your height, width, length, and weight to calculate the volumetric weight for air freight, standard road transportation, and economy shipping.
Why is volumetric weight used?
Couriers use volumetric weight to optimize cargo space and balance shipping efficiency. Since vehicles and aircraft have limited capacity, a bulky parcel can be more costly to transport than a smaller, heavier one.
By charging based on volume when applicable, couriers can fairly account for both weight and space usage.
How is volumetric weight calculated?
Volumetric weight is calculated by multiplying the parcel’s length, width, and height (usually in centimeters) and dividing the result by a carrier-specific divisor. Common divisors are 3000, 5000, and 6000, depending on the courier and service type:
- 3000 is often used for express or air freight
- 5000 is common for standard courier services
- 6000 is typically applied to road or economy shipping
The formula is:
Volumetric Weight = (Length × Width × Height) / Divisor
If the volumetric weight is higher than the actual weight, couriers usually charge based on the volumetric weight.