Volumetric weight and dimensional weight
Volumetric and dimensional weight calculator
Volumetric weight and dimensional weight are two names for the same idea: the space a parcel takes, turned into a billable weight. UK and metric services usually say volumetric weight. US carriers usually say dimensional weight. Pick a divisor, or a carrier planning preset, and the page does both.
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How the calculation works
Metric volumetric weight in kilograms is length × width × height in centimetres, divided by the divisor (often 5,000 or 6,000). Imperial dimensional weight in pounds is the same product in inches, divided by 139 or 166.
Each piece is rounded up to the next whole kilogram or pound. A piece that is already a whole number stays as it is. Quantity is applied after that rounding.
Presets are planning figures, not a promise that today’s service guide matches them. DHL, FedEx, UPS, Royal Mail and DPD products can differ, and some DPD services use 4,000 cm³/kg. Confirm the divisor on the service you will book.
Worked examples
50 × 40 × 30 cm at divisor 5,000
- Raw
- 12 kg
- Rounded
- 12 kg
50 × 40 × 30 cm at divisor 6,000
- Raw
- 10 kg
- Rounded
- 10 kg
20 × 16 × 12 in at divisor 139
- Raw
- 27.626 lb
- Rounded
- 28 lb
Questions
What is the difference between volumetric and dimensional weight?
There is no difference in the maths. Volumetric weight is the name most used in the UK and for air cargo in centimetres. Dimensional weight is the name most used by US parcel carriers in inches.
Which divisor should I use?
Use the divisor in the carrier’s service guide. Common planning pairs are 5,000 cm³/kg with 139 in³/lb, and 6,000 cm³/kg with 166 in³/lb. You can also type a custom divisor.
Why is the result a whole number?
Parcel carriers usually round each piece up to the next whole kilogram or pound. The page shows the unrounded figure as well.
Does this include chargeable weight?
This page is the volume side only. Chargeable weight, the greater of actual and volumetric weight for air freight, has its own calculator.