Volumetric Weight Calculator
Convert a shipment's size into a billable weight using the carrier's dimensional divisor — so light, bulky cargo pays for the space it takes.
The formula
Volumetric weight in kilograms is (length × width × height in cm) ÷ divisor. The divisor is the carrier's published dimensional factor.
Air freight (IATA) uses 6000; express couriers such as DHL, FedEx and UPS use 5000. A 30 × 40 × 50 cm box on a 5000 divisor is 60,000 ÷ 5000 = 12 kg.
By carrier
Frequently asked questions
What is volumetric weight?
Volumetric or dimensional weight is a billable weight derived from a shipment's size. Carriers charge on the greater of actual and volumetric weight so that large, lightweight parcels pay for the room they occupy.
Is the divisor 5000 or 6000?
General air freight uses 6000 (1 kg per 6,000 cm³). Express couriers typically use 5000. US domestic courier services express the same idea as 139 cubic inches per pound, which is about 5000 in metric.
How do I lower volumetric weight?
Pack tighter. Reducing box dimensions — even trimming void space — drops the volumetric figure directly, and once it falls below the actual weight you stop paying the dimensional premium.