Dimensional Weight Calculator

Find out whether your parcel will be billed on actual weight or on the space it takes up.

How it works

Carriers price by weight, but a large light box uses space a heavy small one does not. To balance this they compute a volumetric weight: dimensional kg = L × W × H (cm) ÷ divisor. The chargeable weight is max(actual, dimensional) per piece, multiplied by the number of pieces. Many carriers also round up to the next 0.5 kg; this tool shows the unrounded figure so you can apply your carrier's rule.

Worked example

A box of 50 × 40 × 30 cm weighing 8 kg. With divisor 5000: 50 × 40 × 30 = 60,000 ÷ 5000 = 12 kg dimensional. Since 12 kg is greater than 8 kg, you pay for 12 kg. The same box with divisor 6000 gives 10 kg, still above the actual weight. If you could cut the box to 50 × 40 × 20 cm, the dimensional weight drops to 8 kg at divisor 5000, and you would be billed on actual weight instead.

Tips to reduce chargeable weight

Right-size packaging, avoid excess void fill, and compare divisors between carriers: a higher divisor produces a lower dimensional weight for the same box. For inches and pounds, US carriers commonly use 139 or 166 with dimensions in inches; enter the dimensions in inches and that divisor and the result will be in pounds.

FAQ

Which divisor should I use?

It depends on the carrier and service; 5000 (cm/kg) is common for international express and 6000 for many air freight forwarders. Check your carrier's current published terms.

What is chargeable weight?

The greater of actual gross weight and dimensional weight. You are billed on whichever is higher.