Volumetric Weight Calculator
Instantly calculate the dimensional (chargeable) weight for Air Cargo, Road Freight, and International Couriers like DHL and FedEx to ensure you never overpay for shipping.
Enter Package Details
Centimeters (cm)
Inches (in)
Kilograms (kg)
Pounds (lb)
* Actual weight is the physical weight of your box as measured on a weighing scale.
Total Actual Weight:
0.00 kg
Total Volumetric Weight:
0.00 kg
Final Chargeable Weight
0.00 kg
How Chargeable Weight Works
Logistics and courier companies charge based on whichever number is higher: the Actual Physical Weight or the Volumetric (Dimensional) Weight.
- Formula: (L × W × H) ÷ Divisor
- Bulky Items: Lightweight but large boxes will be charged based on their Volumetric Weight.
- Dense Items: Small but heavy boxes will be charged based on their Actual Physical Weight.
Dimensional & Chargeable Weight Guide
Understanding how logistics companies calculate shipping costs is crucial to avoiding unexpected surcharges. Our free Volumetric Weight Calculator is designed for manufacturers, exporters, and e-commerce sellers in India to verify shipping bills across DHL, FedEx, BlueDart, and standard Air/Sea cargo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Actual Weight and Volumetric Weight?
Actual weight is the physical, dead weight of your package measured on an electronic weighing scale. Volumetric (or dimensional) weight is a theoretical weight calculated based on the space the package occupies in the truck or airplane (Length × Width × Height). Couriers will always invoice you based on whichever weight is higher, known as the Chargeable Weight.
Why do DHL and FedEx use a 5000 divisor?
The divisor represents the density of the freight. Most international express couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS use 5000 as the standard volumetric divisor for packages measured in centimeters (cm³ / 5000 = kg). However, standard commercial Air Freight (IATA) uses a divisor of 6000, which is slightly more favorable for bulky items.
How can I reduce my volumetric chargeable weight?
The easiest way to reduce your volumetric weight is to optimize your packaging. Do not use boxes that are significantly larger than your product. Fill empty spaces with minimal void-fill, and cut down oversized carton flaps to match the exact size of the items inside.