Volumetric weight calculator
Work out the volumetric weight and chargeable weight of your boxes for courier and air freight. Add several box sizes and compare the 5,000 courier divisor, the 6,000 air cargo divisor or your carrier's own divisor.
Couriers usually round up to the next 0.5 kg, and some charge each box separately. Check your carrier's rate card for its divisor and rounding rules.
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The volumetric weight formula
Volumetric weight (kg) = length x width x height (cm) / divisor. Carriers then charge the chargeable weight, which is the higher of the actual weight and the volumetric weight. For example, a 60 x 50 x 50 cm box weighing 12 kg has a volumetric weight of 30 kg at a 5,000 divisor and 25 kg at 6,000, so you pay for 30 kg by courier and 25 kg as air cargo, not 12 kg.
| Divisor | Used by | Equals | In inches and pounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5,000 | Most express couriers | 200 kg per CBM | divide cubic inches by 139 |
| 6,000 | General air cargo | 167 kg per CBM | divide cubic inches by 166 |
| 4,000 | Some road and postal services | 250 kg per CBM | check with the carrier |
For sea freight, LCL is charged per CBM or per tonne, whichever is higher. Use the CBM and container load calculator for sea shipments, and read air freight vs sea freight to choose the right mode.
Frequently asked questions
How is volumetric weight calculated?
Multiply the length, width and height of the box in centimetres and divide by the carrier's divisor. Express couriers commonly use 5,000 and air cargo commonly uses 6,000. The result is the volumetric weight in kilograms.
What is chargeable weight?
Chargeable weight is the weight you are billed for: the higher of the actual gross weight and the volumetric weight. Light but bulky boxes are charged on volume, and small heavy boxes are charged on actual weight.
Why do couriers use 5,000 and air cargo 6,000?
They are industry conventions. A divisor of 6,000 equals 167 kg per CBM, the standard ratio for general air cargo. Many express couriers use 5,000, which equals 200 kg per CBM and makes bulky parcels more expensive. Always check the divisor in your carrier's rate card.
How do I reduce volumetric weight?
Use the smallest box that protects the goods, avoid empty space and oversized fillers, combine small items into one well-packed carton where possible, and compare carriers that use a larger divisor.
How do I calculate volumetric weight in inches and pounds?
Multiply length, width and height in inches and divide by 139 for most express couriers, or by 166 for air cargo. The result is in pounds. This calculator converts inches and pounds for you.
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