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Volumetric Weight Calculator
Volumetric weight (kg) = Length x Width x Height (cm) / divisor. Enter your packed box dimensions and actual weight to see the chargeable weight your courier is likely to bill.
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- 1Enter the packed box dimensions
Measure the outer packed box - length, width and height - in centimetres or inches, whichever is easier to measure.
- 2Enter the actual weight
Weigh the fully packed shipment on a scale and enter that weight in kilograms.
- 3Choose a volumetric divisor
Pick the divisor your courier uses (5000 is a common domestic default, 6000 for many international express couriers), or enter your own custom divisor if your courier has quoted a different figure.
- 4See your chargeable weight
The calculator shows the volumetric weight, the actual weight, and which one is higher - that higher figure is what most couriers actually bill you for.
Package dimensions
Weight and shipment
Why couriers use volumetric weight
- A vehicle or aircraft has limited space, not just limited weight capacity - a large, light box still takes up as much room as a smaller, heavier one, so couriers bill on whichever figure (volumetric or actual) is higher.
- Reducing packaging size and void fill, without compromising protection, is usually the fastest way to cut shipping cost when volumetric weight is the one being charged.
Frequently asked questions
What is volumetric weight?
Volumetric (or dimensional) weight is a calculated weight based on how much space a package takes up, worked out from its length, width and height. Couriers use it because a large, lightweight box still takes up as much room in a vehicle or aircraft as a smaller, heavier one.
How is volumetric weight calculated?
Volumetric weight (kg) = (Length x Width x Height, all in centimetres) divided by a volumetric divisor. A divisor of 5000 is common practice for domestic courier and air-cargo shipments in India, though the exact figure varies by courier - always confirm your own courier's divisor.
Do couriers charge the volumetric weight or the actual weight?
Whichever is higher. This is usually called the "chargeable weight" - if your volumetric weight works out higher than the actual weighed weight, you are billed on the volumetric figure, and vice versa.
What divisor should I use for Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho or my courier partner?
This varies by courier and shipping mode and is not published as one universal number - 5000 is the most common starting point for domestic courier and standard air-cargo shipments in India, while some international express couriers use 6000. Check your own courier or marketplace shipping dashboard, or ask your account manager, for the exact divisor applied to your shipments.
Does packaging size increase my shipping cost even for a light product?
Yes, if the volumetric weight comes out higher than the actual weight. Oversized boxes, excess void fill, or packaging that is much bigger than the product itself can push your chargeable weight - and therefore your shipping cost - well above what the product alone would suggest.
Can I use this for international shipments?
Yes - enter your package dimensions and switch the divisor to 6000, which is commonly used by international express couriers such as DHL, FedEx and UPS, or enter the custom divisor your international courier has quoted you.
Want to work out your full landed cost and margin next? Try the Product Selling Price Calculator.