Back to Tools
Packaging calculator
Packaging calculator
Enter your values below and press Calculate to see your result instantly.
Billable Weight (Greater of Vol vs Act)
4.80 kg
TOTAL VOLUME
24,000 cm³
SURFACE AREA
5,200 cm²
20 cm
30 cm
The parcel is Volumetrically Heavy. Carriers will bill you based on space (4.8kg) rather than mass (2kg).
About the Packaging calculator
Couriers charge by the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight. Calculate volumetric weight to avoid shipping surprises.
How to use the Packaging calculator
- Enter the Length, Width and Height (all in cm or all in inches).
- Choose the Volumetric Divisor: DHL/FedEx (5000) or Standard (6000), and enter the Actual Weight (kg).
- Press Calculate to see the chargeable weight.
Formula and method
Volumetric weight (kg) = Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ Divisor. Chargeable weight = the larger of actual and volumetric weight.
Worked example
A 50 × 40 × 30 cm box is 60,000 cm³. Divided by 5,000 that is 12 kg volumetric weight, so a 4 kg parcel is charged as 12 kg.
Tips
- Use a smaller box to lower the volumetric weight.
- Different carriers use different divisors, so check yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Another name for volumetric weight: a charge based on the space a parcel takes up.