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Landed cost and logistics
Volumetric weight calculator: what the carrier will charge you for
Enter the size and weight of a package, the number of pieces and your carrier divisor. You get volumetric weight, chargeable weight and the cost.
Volumetric weight is length times width times height in centimeters, divided by the carrier divisor. Carriers charge for whichever is greater, actual or volumetric. At the default numbers the chargeable weight is 80.0 kilograms.
Written by Procurement VMS Editorial Team · Reviewed by Michael, Procurement Advisor Expert · Updated
Your numbers
The boxes start with an example so you can see how it works. Replace them with your own figures.
Your result
Volumetric weight is higher than actual weight, so you pay for 20.0 kilograms of air. Smaller cartons or tighter packing lower the bill directly.
| Volumetric weight of one package | 16.0 kg |
|---|---|
| Total volumetric weight | 80.0 kg |
| Total actual weight | 60.0 kg |
| Chargeable weight | 80.0 kg |
| Weight you pay for but do not ship | 20.0 kg |
| Estimated freight charge | USD 360 |
The currency box changes the label only. Enter amounts in the currency you choose.
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- PDF guide with the formula, a worked example and a checklist of what to enter
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The files open with the example numbers from the page. Type yours over the blue cells in the Excel file. The calculator on this page is free to use without a form.
How the volumetric weight calculator works
The formula
Volumetric weight = length x width x height (cm) / divisor. Chargeable weight = the larger of actual weight and volumetric weight.
Carriers have limited space, not only limited lifting capacity. Light, bulky packages fill the hold without adding much weight, so carriers price by whichever measure is larger.
If you ship foam, empty containers or fabric, volume nearly always decides. Repacking into a smaller carton can cut the chargeable weight, and the saving repeats on every shipment.
The example numbers are illustrative and are not benchmarks. Use your own data for any decision.
How to use it with your own data
- Measure the packed dimensions at the longest points in each direction.
- Pick the divisor your carrier uses. The same package can have different chargeable weights with different carriers.
- Compare the result with actual weight. If volume wins, test a tighter pack and compare the new figure.
Mistakes that skew the answer
Measuring the product
Carriers measure the outside of the package, including padding and pallets.
Using the wrong divisor
5000 and 6000 give results that differ by a fifth. Check the carrier terms.
Rounding too early
Carriers round per package or per shipment according to their rules. Compare unrounded figures first.
What to do with the result
Use the cost in the freight cost per unit calculator and compare it with sea freight from the CBM calculator. Check the airway bill against your numbers, using the air waybill guide.
Questions about the volumetric weight calculator
What is volumetric weight?
It is the weight a carrier assigns to a package based on its size. It is calculated by dividing the volume in cubic centimeters by a divisor.
Which divisor should I use?
The one in your carrier contract. 6000 is common for air freight and 5000 for courier services.
What is chargeable weight?
The weight used to price the shipment. It is the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight.
Does sea freight use volumetric weight?
Sea freight is usually priced by CBM or by weight and measure, whichever gives the higher charge.