Volumetric Weight Calculator
Calculate a parcel’s volumetric weight from length × width × height ÷ a divisor (5000 or 6000 cm³/kg), with metric or imperial units. Runs in your browser.
Carriers use different divisors and rounding. This is an educational estimate, not a carrier quote.
A free volumetric weight calculator that runs entirely in your browser. Volumetric weight (also called dimensional weight) estimates how much space a parcel takes relative to its weight, so a large but light box is charged fairly. The formula is length × width × height ÷ a divisor. Couriers commonly use 5000 or 6000 cm³/kg for metric shipments (or 139 / 166 in³/lb for imperial), and you can enter a custom divisor too. Switch between metric and imperial, enter your box dimensions, and read the volumetric weight instantly. This is an educational estimate: carriers differ in the divisor they use, in how they round, and in how they measure the box, so your actual carrier figure may differ. Nothing you enter is uploaded or stored. The calculation happens on your device.
How to use this tool
- 01Choose your unitsPick metric (cm and kg) or imperial (inches and lb). The divisor presets update to match, 5000 / 6000 for metric, 139 / 166 for imperial.
- 02Enter the box dimensionsType the length, width, and height of the parcel’s outer box. Use the largest outer measurements, since carriers measure the box, not the contents.
- 03Pick a divisor and read the resultSelect a common divisor or type your carrier’s value. The volumetric weight appears instantly; use the copy button to reuse it.
Examples
- A 40 × 30 × 20 cm box at 500040 × 30 × 20 = 24,000 cm³. 24,000 ÷ 5000 = 4.8 kg volumetric weight.
- The same box at 600024,000 ÷ 6000 = 4.0 kg. A bigger divisor gives a lower volumetric weight, which is why the divisor matters.
- An imperial boxA 16 × 12 × 8 in box at 139 in³/lb: 1,536 ÷ 139 ≈ 11.05 lb.
Volumetric vs actual weight
Carriers compare the volumetric weight with the actual (scale) weight and bill whichever is greater, the chargeable weight. If your parcel is dense, the actual weight usually wins; if it is light and bulky, the volumetric weight wins. Use the chargeable weight calculator to see which applies to your parcel.
Sources and limitations
This tool is an educational estimate and is not affiliated with any carrier. The 5000, 6000, 139, and 166 divisors are common industry values, but each carrier and service sets its own divisor, rounding (often up to the next 0.5 kg or 1 lb), and measurement rules, and these can change. Always check your carrier’s current documentation before relying on a figure for a quote or a shipment.
Frequently asked questions
What is volumetric weight?
Volumetric (dimensional) weight estimates the space a parcel occupies as a weight, so bulky-but-light parcels are charged fairly. It is length × width × height divided by a divisor.
What is the volumetric weight formula?
Volumetric weight = (length × width × height) ÷ divisor. For metric, the divisor is usually 5000 or 6000 cm³/kg; for imperial, 139 or 166 in³/lb.
Should I use 5000 or 6000?
It depends on the carrier and service, both are common. A larger divisor gives a lower volumetric weight. Use the value in your carrier’s documentation, or try both to see the range.
Is volumetric weight the same as dimensional weight?
Yes, they are the same concept. "Volumetric weight" is common outside the US and "dimensional (DIM) weight" is the US term. Use whichever divisor and units your carrier uses.
Does this match my carrier exactly?
Not necessarily. It is an educational estimate. Carriers differ in divisor, rounding, and how they measure the box, so check your carrier’s current rules for an exact figure.
Is my data stored?
No. The calculation runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you enter is uploaded, saved, or shared.
Related tools
- Dimensional Weight CalculatorCalculate a parcel’s dimensional (DIM) weight from length × width × height ÷ a divisor (139 or 166 in³/lb), with imperial or metric units. Runs in your browser.Open
- Chargeable Weight CalculatorFind the chargeable (billable) weight (the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight) with metric or imperial units. Runs in your browser.Open
- Package Girth CalculatorCalculate parcel girth (2 × (width + height)) and length + girth, used for carrier size limits. Metric or imperial. Runs in your browser.Open
- Weight ConverterConvert weight and mass units in your browser: grams, kilograms, milligrams, metric tons, ounces, and pounds. Instant result, no sign-up, nothing stored.Open